New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today joined the cricket world in mourning the death of young Australian batsman Phillip Hughes, who lost his life after being hit by a bouncer.

"Heart-rending funeral in Australia. Phil Hughes, we will miss you. Your game & exuberance won you fans all over! RIP," Modi tweeted as thousands gathered in Hughes' home town of Macksville to bid farewell to the batsman. Hughes died last week after being hit on the head by a bouncer during a domestic game. Had he survived, Hughes would have turned 26 last Sunday. The India-Australia Test series schedule was reworked following the tragedy to allow the home side's players some time to grieve the loss of their teammate.

Sidney: Australian cricketer Phil Hughes, who suffered head injury during a Sheffield Shield game between New South Wales(NSW) and South Phil Hughes on Tuesday, passed away on Thursday.  

A press release by the Australian Team Doctor Peter Brukner said, "It is my sad duty to inform you that a short time ago Phillip Hughes passed away." 

"He never regained consciousness following his injury on Tuesday. 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." 

Phil Hughes, who was batting for South Australia in the domestic first-class match against NSW, was hit on his head by a steaming delivery from bowler Sean Abbott on Tuesday. The 25-year-old southpaw paused for breath with his hands on his knees before collapsing face-first onto the ground.

The on-field players immediately rushed to his aid while NSW cricket team's doctor John Orchard sprinted his way onto the field.

On November 30th, Hughes would have turned 26.