(CNN) -- Australia cricket international Phil Hughes has died after being hit in the head by a ball on Tuesday.
The 25 year old, who had been hoping to regain his place in the team for next week's Test match against India, passed away on Thursday after failing to recover from an induced coma at a hospital in Sydney.
The South Australia batsman, who would have turned 26 on Sunday, was fatally injured when hit by a 'bouncer,' a short ball that bounces up towards the batsman's torso, near his left ear -- the ball somehow evading the cricketer's helmet as he swiveled to play a shot.
READ: Hughes 'critical' after being hit by ball
In a statement on Cricket Australia's website, Australian 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.'
Outpouring of emotion
His death has triggered an outpouring of emotion in Australia and among cricket enthusiasts the world over.
A statement from Australian prime minister's office read: 'Phillip Hughes was a young man living out his dreams.
'His death is a very sad day for cricket and a heartbreaking day for his family. What happened has touched millions of Australians.
'For a young life to be cut short playing our national game seems a shocking aberration.
He was loved, admired and respected by his teammates and by legions of cricket fans.
Australians' thoughts and prayers are with the Hughes family.
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