SYDNEY, Nov 27 (Reuters) :Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes died in hospital in Sydney on Thursday, two days after the international batsman was struck on the head by a ball during a domestic match.

Governing body Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed the 25-year-old had lost his fight for life, casting a pall over a cricket-mad nation, which is co-hosting the World Cup early next year.

”We are extremely sad to announce that Phillip Hughes has passed away at the age of 25,” CA said on its Twitter feed.

”Our thoughts go out to Phillip's family, friends, and the entire cricket community on this incredibly sad day.

”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 Phillips family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”

Cricket Australia was due to conduct a news conference at St Vincent's hospital in Sydney at 5 p.m. (0600 GMT).

The Australian flag was lowered to half-mast over the Sydney Cricket Ground where Hughes suffered the horrific injury on Tuesday when batting for state side South Australia.

He was struck on the head by a short-pitched delivery from New South Wales paceman Sean Abbott, a devastating blow that experts compared to the trauma suffered by car crash victims.

After being treated at the stadium, Hughes, who played 26 tests and 25 one-day internationals, was rushed to hospital to have emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.

News of Hughes's death brought a fresh wave of tributes on social media, with past and present players conveying their shock and grief.

”No no no no no. RIP Phillip Hughes,” former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist tweeted.

Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbott described Hughes as “a young man living out his dreams”.

”His death is a very sad day for cricket and a heartbreaking day for his family,' Abbott said in a statement.