Michael Clarke pays tribute to Phil Hughes

Australia captain Michael Clarke has paid tribute to Phil Hughes following his death at the age of 25.

Hughes died on Thursday two days after being struck in the head by a bouncer while batting for the West End Redbacks in their Sheffield Shield match against the New South Wales Blues.

Clarke hailed the character of the 25-year-old, and in an emotional speech, he admitted that the Australian dressing room will never be the same again.

He told reporters: "Our promise to Hughesy's family is that we will do everything we can to honour his memory.

"He epitomised what the baggy green is all about and what it means to us all. Our dressing room will never be the same. We loved him, and always will. Rest in peace."

Hughes played 26 Tests and 25 one-day internationals for Australia after making his debut in 2009.