Northants cricketing community pays tribute to Phil Hughes

The 25-year-old passed away this morning, having never regained consciousness after being struck on the head by a short-pitched delivery from New South Wales bowler Sean Abbott in the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Hughes was given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on the pitch before being rushed to hospital for emergency surgery, but he was unable to recover.

Northants players, past and present, took to Twitter to pay tribute to Hughes

County skipper Alex Wakely said: “I am shocked. Life is cruel. My thoughts and prayers are with all the Hughes family and friends.

“We just go to work, put on our kit and don’t think about it. Things like this make you think.”

Stephen Peters said: “Truly stunned and horrified by the news. So so sad it’s terrible. My condolences to the family and friends.”

All-rounder David Willey said: “Awful news regarding the loss of cricketer Phil Hughes.

“Thoughts are with his friends and family at such a tragic time and, of course, Sean Abbott.”

Those thoughts were echoed by Ben Duckett, who said: “Horrible news. RIP Phil Hughes. What a waste of a talent.

“My thoughts go out to his family, and also to Sean Abbott.”

Former Northants skipper and England player Allan Lamb said: “Very sad news about Phil Hughes’ freak accident.

“My thoughts go to his family, and the cricket world will miss you.

“Our also go to Sean Abbott - he’ll be devastated and has to battle through bad times.”

Graeme Swann, the former Northants and England player, who played against Hughes in the recent Ashes series, said: “I just can’t get to grips with the tragic news about Philip Hughes today.

“A great lad taken far too soon. RIP.”

Another former Northants captain, Matthew Hayden, who is also a former Australia team-mate of Hughes, said: “Rest peacefully our little brother...may God hold you in the palm of his hand forever. Deepest sympathies to the Hughes Family and friends.”

There was also a statement issued on the Northants Cricket website, which read: “Everyone at Northants Cricket would like to express their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Phil Hughes.”

And Northants chairman Gavin Warren added: “RIP Phil Hughes a very sad day for the cricket family. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”