Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes dies

Cricket Australia confirmed Hughes' death on Thursday afternoon in Sydney.

"It is my sad duty to inform you that a short time ago Phillip Hughes passed away," Australian team doctor Peter Brukner said in a statement.

The 25-year-old test batsman had been in an induced coma in hospital after being struck on the head by a short delivery during a Sheffield Shield match in Sydney on Tuesday. He had emergency surgery before being placed in the induced coma.

Family and players had maintained a vigil at Hughes' bedside.

In a statement, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott called Hughes' death "heartbreaking," saying the cricketer was "loved, admired and respected by his teammates and his legions of fans."

jr/jm (Reuters, AFP)