Australian prime minister Tony Abbott pays tribute to Phil Hughes

Australian prime minister Tony Abbott has paid tribute to Phil Hughes following the death of the batsman at the age of 25.

A statement released by Cricket Australia on Thursday morning confirmed that Hughes never regained consciousness after being injured by a bouncer at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday.

"Philip 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," read a statement from Prime Minister Abbott.

"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."

Hughes made over 50 appearances in Test and one-day international cricket for Australia.