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LONDON. — News of the tragic death of Phillip Hughes has prompted an outpouring of grief among cricketers throughout the world. Hughes passed away yesterday, two days after he was struck by a bouncer while playing for South Australia in a Sheffield Shield match in Sydney.

Australia Test players Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, David Warner, Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith were among the cricketers to visit Hughes’ bedside prior to his passing away and Australia Test captain Michael Clarke, a close friend of Hughes, was an almost constant presence at the hospital.

Following the terrible news that Hughes had died from his injuries, Australia coach Darren Lehmann tweeted: “RIP you little champ, we are all going to miss you! Love, prayers to all the Hughes family xxxx.”

Hughes was the 408th man to play Test cricket for Australia and spinner Nathan Lyon wrote: “Today we lost one of the greats! RIP Hughes #408 #willbemissed #loveyamate.”

And Smith wrote: “Rest in peace Hughesy. I am really going to miss you. You were 1 of the great blokes and I will never forget you. #408 will live on forever.”

Former Aussie paceman Brett Lee also played alongside Hughes in the national team. Lee tweeted a picture of himself sitting next to the batsman and said: “No words can describe the loss Rip.”

The England team are currently on tour in Sri Lanka and released a statement on Twitter which said: “Our deepest sympathies go out to Phillip Hughes’ family, friends and teammates at this incredibly sad time.“— Sky Sports.