Australia batsman Phillip Hughes dies, aged 25
Hughes was struck on the head by a short-pitched ball on Tuesday
Batsman never regained consciousness
Hughes family: "Cricket was Phillip's life"
GET INVOLVED: Share your tributes to Hughes using #bbcsportsday
Jim Maxwell
Australian Broadcasting Corporation commentator
Image source, Getty Images"Philip Hughes was an uncomplicated country boy, who moved as a youngster to play cricket against the men from the city.
"He was a natural - phlegmatic, laconic, affable and easily engaged."
Image source, Getty ImagesIn case you're just joining us for the first time - a reminder of our main story.
Australia captain Michael Clarke read out a short statement on behalf of Phillip Hughes' family shortly after the 25-year-old's death was confirmed in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Speaking on behalf of parents Greg and Virginia, sister Megan and brother Jason, he said: "We're devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother, Phillip.
"It's been a very difficult few days."
England and Hampshire batsman Michael Carberry tweets:, external Can't put into my words my sadness at the loss of Phil Hughes. We have lost a great talent but also a great person. #RIPPhilHughes
Image source, Getty ImagesAustralia legend Shane Warne has led calls for the cricket world to support fast bowler Sean Abbott following Phillip Hughes' death.
Abbott bowled the ball which hit Hughes high on the neck on Tuesday.
"It's important for friends and the cricket community to get round Sean," Warne said of the 22-year-old.
"I'm sure he'll be distraught but it's not his fault."
Former England spinner Shaun Udal was Hughes' captain at Middlesex during his brief stint in 2009.
He told BBC Radio Berkshire: "I'm devastated.
"He was a wonderful human being, a joy to have around the place, always happy, positive and upbeat. A cheeky chappy and one of those fun life guys who was so talented. It's awful.
"It's a freak accident, in any contact sport there is a risk and this is one of those horrible and horrific things we just can't explain and hopefully will never, ever be repeated.
"There is design work being done to improve the helmet as we speak but you are never going to be totally safe. That is the risk you take in any contact sport."
Image source, Getty ImagesMore from Giles White, Hampshire director of cricket, on Phillip Hughes: "He was only here for a short amount of time but what struck me was what a fantastic bloke he was.
"His batting was exceptional, he didn't have the best spell here but he got involved, worked extremely hard and was a great bloke to have about. He will be sorely missed.
"The reason we got him was because we wanted a quality batsman and a quality bloke and he was fantastic to have around.
"It's very tough, everyone in cricket is feeling it, it's a very sad time."
Hampshire director of cricket Giles White has spoken to BBC Radio Solent about Phillip Hughes - who made five appearances for the county in 2010.
"The reaction is shock," he said.
"I felt Phillip would get through this because of the nature of the character. I guess I was naïve as to the severity of the injury, so I'm very shocked at the very sad news.
"It's not something you associate with cricket. It's a freak incident and the worst possible result."
More from Matthew Hoggard, speaking to BBC Sport, about bowler Sean Abbott: "There's great things coming from him and a lot of people tipped him to play for Australia.
"Hopefully he can get the support around him and find the strength to carry on.
"I'm sure Phil would have wanted it because it was a tragic accident."
Former England bowler Matthew Hoggard has been speaking to BBC Sport's Natalie Pirks.
Image source, Getty ImagesHe said: "As a fast bowler, the bouncer is part of your armoury.
"You bowl it to be intimidating, but you don't bowl it to try and hurt people.
"You try to unsettle them, get them on the back foot.
"To bowl a ball that has resulted in somebody dying has got to be absolutely devastating."
Image source, @PeterSiddle403Australia bowler Peter Siddle tweets:, external Forever Not Out in My Heart Braz! ❤️ #RIPHughesy #408 #63NotOut
Image source, Getty ImagesIn case you're just joining our page for the first time today, a recap on some of our coverage.
Australia team doctor Peter Brukner described Phillip Hughes' fatal injuries as "a freakish accident".
Brukner said Hughes, 25, died as a result of a vertebral artery dissection,, external which caused a "massive bleed" on the brain.
Former West Indies captain Sir Viv Richards tweets:, external Huge loss for our cricketing family. Deepest sympathy for Phillip's family, friends & associates. Sean Abbott in our thoughts & prayers also.
Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has been giving his reaction to Sky Sports News: "It's a tragic loss to our great game.
"He was developing into a fantastic cricketer.
"He was probably on course to do great things for Australia.
"It's a sad loss for sport, not just for cricket. It's a dark day for cricket. It's really sad."
Image source, @AaronFinch5Australia batsman and Yorkshire overseas player Aaron Finch tweets:, external This is how I will remember you legend! The most infectious smile and best friend anyone could have! Forever with us!
An often fractious first Ashes Test series in 2013 was dominated by vexation over DRS and a curious succession of last-wicket stands.
Hughes began the sequence alongside debutant number 11 Ashton Agar in the first Test at Trent Bridge.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe senior partner's unbeaten 81 from 131 balls was chiselled out against a tough attack.
He and Agar joined forces on a first-innings 117-9 and took the total to an astounding 280 - his teenage partner making 98.
After more last-ditch heroics on either side, a titanic Test went England's way by just 14 runs.
Here's what some of you have been saying on the BBC Sport Facebook, external page:
Jacqueline Thomas:, external Condolences to the friends and family of Phil. An awful accident that was no one's fault. Sending love and support to Sean too. They were both doing what they loved. K
McDonald Bill:, external This is a tragic reminder that sport can carry terrible risks and we should remember this was a freak accident. R.I.P. Philip, your light will shine forever
Sue Curtis:, external Thinking of all those cricketers in that match, what a terrible thing to happen. RIP to a great young cricketer, and thoughts and prayers with his family and friends
Image source, BBC SportBBC Sport's Patrick Gearey looks back on Phillip Hughes' career in this video tribute.
BBC Radio 5 live
As Alison Mitchell hinted earlier (see 10:37), Eleanor Oldroyd and Michael Vaughan will present a BBC Radio 5 live sport special this evening from 19:00 GMT in tribute to Phillip Hughes.
From 21:00 GMT, Alison Mitchell presents live from Australia as the country comes to terms with Hughes' tragic death.
She will be joined by players and cricket journalists.
Hughes' instant success as a 19-year-old waned as he was dropped mid-series from the 2009 Ashes - and had to set about restating his case.
Image source, Getty ImagesIt proved no easy task, but March was again kind to him as he piled into the New Zealand attack for a second-innings 86 not out from just 75 balls in Wellington. Hughes hit 12 fours and a six to hasten Australia to victory by 10 wickets.
Hughes was far from done in Durban, even after his first innings 115 (see 11:11). He duly doubled up in the second innings with 160.
Image source, Getty ImagesAustralia comfortably oversaw South Africa, and Hughes gained his place in the history books, deposing West Indies great George Headley, after almost 80 years, as the youngest batsman to make a century in each innings of a Test.