Phillip Hughes: 1988-2014

Australian batsman Phillip Hughes died in hospital two days after being struck on the top of the neck by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield game at the SCG. He was 25, four days shy of his birthday. Hughes, who also played for Hampshire, Middlesex and Worcestershire, had been wearing a helmet when hit by a delivery from bowler Sean Abbott. He had CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation at the ground before being taken to St Vincent’s Hospital, where he had a 90-minute operation to relieve pressure on his brain. The doctors said one of the main arteries to his brain was compressed and such trauma can often be immediately fatal. Hughes initially stood for a second or two before collapsing forwards onto the ground, as players rushed to his assistance and called for medical help. He never regained consciousness.

Hughes, who had played 26 Tests, made his Test debut at the age of 20 against South Africa in 2009. In only his second match, he became the youngest batsman to post two centuries in a single Test. Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar, who played alongside Hughes in the Indian Premier League, added: “Shocked to hear about Phil. Sad day for cricket. Deepest condolences to family, friends and well wishers. RIP.”