Image source, AP

That brings our live coverage of the world's reaction to Phillip Hughes' death to a close. Sportsday will be back on Friday with more tributes to the popular 25-year-old Australia batsman.

We will finish with an image that epitomises Hughes - him celebrating a century with a cheeky smile.

Australia is beginning to wake up on the day after Phillip Hughes' death was announced. His death has left a country weeping and has "changed cricket forever" - according to former Australian batsman Michael Slater.

Read how the entire nation - including sporting icons, leading politicians and the general public - is reacting to the tragic news.

BBC Radio 5 live

If you missed any of BBC Radio 5 live's special tribute to Phillip Hughes from Australia, you will be able to download the full podcast shortly.

Friday's Daily Telegraph has an Australian baggy green cap hanging over the boundary fence on its sports supplement.

The language of sporting hype is battles and tragedies but in reality the heroes usually walk away unscathed. That's the view of BBC's chief sports writer Tom Fordyce, who asks 'Why does a death in sport hit us so hard?' in this piece.

Adam Mountford
BBC Test Match Special

"Terrible day for cricket, but heart warming to see how the cricket world has joined together in tribute."

Paul: Watched the tribute from Cricket Australia (see 15:31) and was in tears. Still can't believe this young man with the world at his feet has passed away. I feel for his family and Sean Abbott.

The Guardian's sport pages lead with a striking image of Phillip Hughes waving his bat to the crowd in celebration of a century. Below that is a comment piece from their cricket correspondent, and former England bowler, Mike Selvey on the tragedy.

BBC Radio 5 live

Jason Gillespie says it is not the time to discuss banning the bouncer - but does not believe it will be outlawed.

"The bouncer will continue - it is part of cricket. I can't see a rule change about bowling short balls," says the Yorkshire coach.

"With Phil only just passing away it is difficult to start talking about these type of things. I think there will be a time and place to discuss safety in cricket but at the moment it is time to pay respects and grieve."

BBC Radio 5 live

Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie says it is difficult for bowlers to deal with hurting an opposing batsman.

"I hit Colin Miller, who is a good friend, with a delivery and he needed a metal plate in his head. That was a huge battle for me to overcome at the time," he says.

"Sean Abbott has got to deal with this situation that is very confronting. But the support he will get from Cricket Australia and New South Wales will give him the best opportunity to try to get over this."

BBC Radio 5 live

Former Australia fast bowler, and current Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie: "I woke up early this morning in the UK to messages from back home in Australia and I just felt overriding sadness. It was shock - I was shaking when I saw that.

"I'm feeling this on the other side of the world and my first thought was 'how is everyone dealing with this in Australia?'

"There are only six sides in Australian club cricket and it is a tight knit community. Everyone bounces around the same circles on and off the field. This is something that has rocked Australian cricket to the absolute core."

BBC Radio 5 live

More from The Australian cricket journalist Peter Lalor: "The scenes described to me from around his hospital bed are heartbreaking - but heart-warming too. Players were standing around Phil's bed and holding hands. Even some sworn enemies were embracing.

"His hospital room became more like a dressing room. Someone told me there were 86 players at the hospital on Wednesday night. There was a roster system so they could see him. Unfortunately not all of them got in before he died but most of them did."

Luke Baker:, external Got out of bed turned on the TV and stood in a stunned silence for 10 mins hands on head. I still can't believe it.

BBC Radio 5 live

The Australian cricket journalist Peter Lalor was covering the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground when Phillip Hughes was hit by Sean Abbott's fatal delivery.

"This situation is too real unfortunately," he says. "When you wake up in the morning, open your eyes and think 'it happened, didn't it' - it is awful. Even though we were prepared for the news of Phil's death it was still tough to wake up to.

"It was confirmed to me on that first evening that it was unlikely he would live. There wasn't much hope for Phil from the moment after he was hit. Being there that was apparent."

BBC Radio 5 live

ABC's lead broadcaster Gerard Whateley: "Virtually every Australian sporting organisation has joined in the condolences, starting by giving them to Phillip Hughes' family and then to Cricket Australia.

"From youngsters making their AFL debuts, to iconic figures like track cyclist Anna Meares and 100m hurdler Sally Pearson, the terrible news has transcended Australian sport. It is the collective endeavour of Australian sport so it affects them all."

Jack Harrison:, external If Australia were to only field 10 men in their Test match next week it would be the perfect tribute.

BBC Radio 5 live

ABC's lead broadcaster Gerard Whateley: "This is the worst day I've known in Australia sport. That's two fold - one him being so young, a 25-year-old with his life in front of him and the second that it happened in front of us.

"We've lived through it for three days and there was a sense of dread as his team-mates and family made those processions to the hospital.

"The announcement of his death felt like a collective blow for all Australians."

BBC Radio 5 live

Former Australia opening batsman Michael Slater: "The whole of Australia is mourning because he was a fighter. He got dropped by Australia but came back out and scored lots of runs. Australians can relate to that - he was gritty. His death has affected a nation."

BBC Radio 5 live

Former Australia opening batsman Michael Slater: "I never played with Phillip but, when I first met him, what immediately came across was how humble he was, how much he loved talking cricket and how he looked up with these starry eyes at Michael Clarke who he was with.

"He was a remarkable young man. And condolences from around the world is testament to the bloke he was. He was a wonderful human being."

BBC Radio 5 live

Former Australia opening batsman Michael Slater: "It is so heavy and confusing. We've all wept in the two days from when we learned of the bad knock - but I don't think anyone thought Phil Hughes would pass away. It's not what happens in cricket. Helmets are supposed to protect batsmen.

"In this instance it has changed cricket forever. I hope Sean Abbott can get through this - his life will never be the same. He's not his fault - he has to believe that."