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Australian Cricketer Dies After Freak On-Field Accident


FILE - Australia's batsman Phillip Hughes celebrates after scoring a century.
FILE - Australia's batsman Phillip Hughes celebrates after scoring a century.

Australian cricketer Phil Hughes, who was struck in the head with a ball during a match this week in Sydney, has died.

Team doctor Peter Brukner said in a statement the 25-year-old died Thursday, surrounded by his family and friends.

Hughes had been put in a medically induced coma and underwent emergency surgery following the Tuesday accident.

Brukner said Hughes never regained consciousness and "was not in pain before he passed."

Hughes was hit just behind the left ear by a bounced ball while batting for South Australia against New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Condolences poured in following the news of his death, including from Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

Hughes is the second cricket player in as many years to die after being struck by a ball. Thirty-two-year-old South African player Darryn Randall died last year after being struck in the side of the head.

The deaths have reignited debate over whether cricket batsmen are wearing enough head protection.

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