Phillip Hughes death: Cricketer dies of catastrophic head injuries; Wayne Smith writes how Hughes’ death will cause new perspective on the game

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Cricketer Philip Hughes died two days after he was rushed to a hospital due to a sport mishap, reported The Guardian.

The 25-year-old from Macksville, on the north coast of New South Wales, was playing for South Australia against NSW when a bouncer hit the lower back of his neck during a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday. He was rushed to the hospital in a critical condition.

An emotional Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke read a statement from the family at a news conference on Thursday.

He said: "We're devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother Phillip.

"It's been a very difficult few days. We appreciate all the support we have received from family, friends, players, Cricket Australia and the general public.

"Cricket was Phillip's life, and we as a family shared that love of the game with him."

Hughes had scored 63 runs when he was hit by a ball from bowler Sean Abbott. He was wearing a helmet at the time. New South Wales players and the umpires quickly rushed to his side and called for help, News Sky wrote. Hughes suffered catastrophic head injuries according to Tony Grabs, a surgeon at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney. He underwent surgeries that had part of his skull removed to relieve pressure on his brain. Unfortunately, his condition did not alleviate and died from a cerebral hemorrhage.

The Australian Sport's Wayne Smith writes that Hughes' death will cause many to rethink how the sport is played. Should bowlers abandon the bouncer? Telegraph reported.

"Cricket long ago came to terms with the fact that while it's not a physical contact sport it does have an element of physical intimidation about it. The game is always at its best and most enthralling when there is an even contest between bat and ball.

"Tilt the balance too far in one direction and it becomes a game for bullies, be they flat track bullies launching balls over far-distant fences with spring-loaded bats or hairy-chested bullies baring their teeth as they charge in off the long run to make merry on a greentop.

"If Australia voluntarily abandons the bouncer, the balance will tilt horribly in favour of the batsman. Remove the bouncer and the fear and uncertainty it engenders and batsmen will soon start taking liberties, getting on to the front foot when they have no right to."

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