Australia's Phil Hughes celebrates reaching his century during the one-day international cricket match against Sri Lanka at the Melbourne Cricket Ground January 11, 2013.
Australia's Phil Hughes celebrates reaching his century during the one-day international cricket match against Sri Lanka at the Melbourne Cricket Ground January 11, 2013. REUTER

Former Test batsman Phil Hughes has died after battling a head injury caused by a bouncer during the Sheffield Shield Game at the Sydney Cricket Ground two days ago. Moments after he was hit in the head, Hughes collapsed face first to the ground and was rushed to St. Vincent's hospital where he underwent surgery. After the operation, he was admitted to the intensive care unit and was placed on an induced coma.

He was pronounced dead Thursday and was 25 years old at the time of his death. Cricket Australia made the announcement Thursday morning alongside the official statement from the attending physician Peter Brukner who released an official statement.

"It is my sad duty to inform you that a short time ago Phillip Hughes passed away," Dr. Brukner's statement read per Criclife.com. "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."

The organization also took the time to ask the public to give the family of Hughes the privacy and respect they would need at this trying time. The cricket community also took to social media site Twitter to express their various emotions ranging from shock, grief and sympathy on the announcement of the Australian cricketer's passing:

Dear Lord, if ever the need for footprints in the sand, it's now #PhilHughes #courage #strength

— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) November 25, 2014

Oh my God :( tragic...very very tragic. R. I. P. Phillip Hughes. Thoughts are with his family. #cricket

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 27, 2014

Heart broken! A very dark day. You will be missed, Phil Hughes. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family & friends.

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 27, 2014

Sad day for cricket @CricketAus Phil Hughes RIP. Knew him whilst he came over to MI, thorough Pro..will miss you. @mipaltan

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) November 27, 2014

Absolutely shocked to hear the news of Phil Hughes passing away! Thoughts and prays are with his family as well as Sean Abbott!

— Shaun Pollock (@7polly7) November 27, 2014

Totally , totally sick inside and have no words.thinking and praying for friends and family. #RIPPhilHughes

— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) November 27, 2014

R.I.P Phil Hughes, an absolute tragedy. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

— Matthew Davidson (@mattdavo23) November 27, 2014

Just came to know about the tragic death of Phil Hughes, he will always be remembered as a man of great character and talent. #RIPPhilHughes

— Abdullah Nasim (@abdullahnasim) November 27, 2014

His passing cuts short a promising career as he is being compared this early to legendary cricketer Donald Bradman. The talented left-hander was on his way to an impressive Australian test recall as he was on track to a 63 for South Australia when the tragic accident occurred.