Australian team doctor Peter Brukner said in a statement released by Cricket Australia on Thursday afternoon that Hughes had died at St Vincent's Hospital.

The 25-year-old suffered devastating head injuries when he was struck while batting at the Sydney Cricket Ground last Tuesday (25).  His family has made the heart breaking decision to switch off his life support.

Hughes had been in a critical condition in an induced coma after being struck by a ball during South Australia's Sheffield Shield match with NSW at the SCG on Tuesday.

Hughes' life-threatening injuries sent shock waves through the cricketing world, with messages of support pouring in from current and former Australian cricketers as well as players from around the world.

Australian captain Michael Clarke and vice-captain Brad Haddin were among the supporters to visit Hughes in hospital on Wednesday, joining Hughes' family at the former Test opener's bedside.(SDF/KH)