Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club would like to extend their deepest sympathies to the family, friends, team mates and fans of Australian batsman Phil Hughes, who has tragically passed away.

Hughes had been in a critical condition after being struck on the head by a short delivery during a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground two days ago.

Australia captain Michael Clarke read the following statement, on behalf of Hughes' parents Greg & Virginia, sister Megan and brother Jason.

"We're devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother, Phillip," he said.

"It's been a very difficult few days. We appreciate all the support we have received from family, friends, players, Cricket Australia and the general public.

"Cricket was Phillip's life and we as a family shared that love of the game with him. We would like to thank all the medical and nursing staff at St Vincent's Hospital and Cricket New South Wales medical staff for their great efforts with Phillip. We love you."

Hughes, 25, represented Hampshire, Middlesex and Worcestershire in English domestic cricket, but will be fondly remembered in Nottinghamshire for the part he played in the 2013 Investec Ashes Test between England and Australia.

Hughes shared in a record-breaking last-wicket partnership of 151 with debutant Ashton Agar that stole the hearts of cricket fans across the world.