Phillip Hughes dead: Head injury claims Australian cricketer's life after tragic SCG playing accident Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes has tragically died just days short of his 26th birthday, due to head injuries suffered when he was struck by a bouncer in a match at the SCG. PHILLIP Hughes has died from head injuries suffered on Tuesday when he was hit in the head by a bouncer at the SCG. The Australian cricketer underwent brain surgery and has been in an induced coma in Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital. Hughes did not respond to treatment and was pronounced dead on Thursday, stunning a cricket world that had rallied behind him since the terrible incident. A Cricket Australia statement from team doctor Peter Brukner said: "It is my sad duty to inform you that a short time ago Phillip Hughes passed away. He never regained consciousness following his injury on Tuesday. He was not in pain before he passed and was surrounded by his family and close friends. As a cricket community we mourn his loss and extend our deepest sympathies to Phillip's family and friends at this incredibly sad time. Cricket Australia kindly asks that the privacy of the Hughes family, players and staff be respected. Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes has tragically died due to a head injury. Hughes fell to the SCG turf seconds after attempting to hook a bouncer from Sean Abbott during the Sheffield Shield clash between NSW and South Australia. Hughes received CPR at the scene and was then taken by ambulance to nearby St Vincent's. St Vincent's Hospital spokesman David Faktor said Tuesday: "He underwent a set of scans to establish the extent of his injuries and then a decision was made to perform surgery. Phillip Hughes has tragically passed away days before his 26th birthday. Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke arrives at St Vincent's Hospital this morning to visit close friend Phillip Hughes. Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin leaves St Vincent's Hospital distraught after visiting Phillip Hughes. Teammates and friends have kept a vigil at the hospital in the hours since Hughes" admission. Hughes, who was due to turn 26 on Sunday - played 26 Tests and scored 1,535 runs at 32.65, including three centuries. He was considered a front runner to replace injured Michael Clarke in the first Test against India starting next week. Phillip Hughes celebrates one of two centuries he made in just his second Test match, during 2009 against South Africa. Originally published as Breaking news: Phillip Hughes dies