An Australian cricketer died after being hit by a ball in a freak accident during a game at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

25-year-old Phillip Hughes was struck in the lower back of his neck by the ball on Tuesday, and collapsed unconscious. He was evacuated to St Vincent’s hospital in critical condition and placed in a medically-induced coma after emergency brain surgery, but succumbed to the injury Thursday afternoon.

“It is my sad duty to inform you that a short time ago Phillip Hughes passed away,”  Australian team doctor, Peter Brukner said in a statement.

“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.”

Hughes had been playing for South Australia against New South Wales, and made his Test debut against South Africa in 2009. He was just days away from his 26th birthday.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott mourned Hughes’s death as “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.”