Sussex players have expressed their shock and distress following the tragic death of Australia batsman Phil Hughes.

Hughes died this morning after being struck on the top of the neck by a bouncer from Sean Abbott during a Sheffield Shield game two days ago.

The 25-year-old former Middlesex, Hampshire and Worcestershire player was put in an induced coma and never regained consciousness.

Sussex bowler Steve Magoffin had played against Hughes many times in their native Australia and were also part of the national squad together for the tour to South Africa in 2009.

Magoffin tweeted: “Such terrible news today. Phil Hughes, you were an amazing competitor and a great bloke. Condolences to the Hughes family.”

Wicketkeeper Matt Prior, who played against Hughes in two Ashes series, tweeted: “Shocked & saddened waking up today. Phil was an absolute champion. Awful news. Thoughts with his friends and family.Thoughts with Sean Abott at this sad time as well.”

Sussex vice-captain Chris Nash added his condolences tweeting: “Can't believe the news about Phil Hughes. All my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and also to Sean Abbott.”

Ajmal Shahzad tweeted: "Didn't know him personally but today is a sad sad day for the cricketing world. Immensely talented guy who lost his life so young. Always played the game with a smile."

Hughes, who was wearing a protective helmet, collapsed face first onto the pitch after being hit by a ball on the back, lower left side of his head from pace bowler Abbott as he attempted a pull shot.

He was then given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and oxygen on the boundary line after being carried off the pitch on a stretcher.

Hughes was then rushed to the city's St Vincent's Hospital, where he underwent surgery and was being monitored in the intensive care unit.

Australian team doctor Peter Brukner said: ''He never regained consciousness following his injury. He was not in pain before he passed and was surrounded by his family and close friends.''

Following the incident, the match between South Australia and New South Wales was called off for the day before being abandoned entirely, while the latest round of Sheffield Shield games has now followed suit.

Hughes' death will no doubt spark renewed debate about the headgear warn by batsmen, and also the composition of the balls being used.

The second day's play was suspended in the Test match between Pakistan and New Zealand in Sharjah as a mark of respect, with the contest now due to finish on Monday.

Hughes was well known to English fans both internationally and domestically after spells with Hampshire, Middlesex and Worcestershire, as well as playing in the Indian Premier League.

He played at Hove three times during his career, in tour matches for Australia against Sussex in 2009 and 2013 and for Worcestershire in the Championship in 2012.

A 26-Test international, Hughes' last appearance for Australia came in a one-day international against Pakistan in October.

He memorably scored two hundreds in just his second Test match against South Africa, with his last five-day appearance coming against England at Lord's last summer.

In the Test prior to that he scored 81 at Trent Bridge alongside Ashton Agar in a last-wicket stand that nearly produced a memorable win.

Australia captain Michael Clarke, a close friend of Hughes, read out a statement on behalf of the Hughes family.

It read: ''We're devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother Phillip.

“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.''