Hampshire Cricket Chairman Rod Bransgrove has said Phillip Hughes “will never be forgotten” by the county.

Speaking after the tragic news of Hughes’ death overnight, Bransgrove said: “I cannot begin to comprehend the loss of a talented, ebullient and lovely lad. 

“In the Australia dressing room after the t20 at the Ageas Bowl in 2013, Hughesy said to me that after Warne, Katich, Watson and Clarke he felt like Hampshire's forgotten Aussie. 

“I told him then, and I say it again now, you will never be forgotten Hughesy.

“You are part of our family. Rest in peace buddy.

"He was with us for a relatively short period of time but it's more than possible that he could have returned to Hampshire.

"He was so young, keen to improve and such a cracking lad."  

Hampshire players past and present have also paid tribute to Hughes.

James Vince batted alongside Hughes for Hampshire at the end of the 2010 county season.

 

 

Liam Dawson posted his reaction in two tweets: "Life just isn't fair. Such sad news about phil Hughes. Thoughts and prayers go to his poor family at this horrific time for them.

"And also to Sean Abbott and his family Hope they get all the help they need at this tough time."

Michael Carberry commented: "Can't put into my words my sadness at the loss of Phil Hughes . We have lost a great talent but also a great person. Suddenly a dropped catch or a misfield doesn't seem so bad #perspective #RIPPhilHughes"

Danny Briggs, another Hampshire teammate of Hughes four years ago, tweeted: "Horrific news about Phil Hughes, thoughts go out to family!

Chris Wood also expressed his shock on social media. "Can't believe waking up to the devastating news about Phil Hughes, great guy and a serious player! RIP"

Wicketkeeper Michael Bates was another teammate of Hughes when the 25 year-old made his five appearances for Hampshire in August-September 2010.

He wrote: "Horrified to hear of Phil Hughes' death. A great bloke taken far too young."

Former England bowler Simon Jones also played alongside Hughes for Hampshire. He tweeted: "Deeply saddened to hear the news of Phil Hughes' passing..Very very sad day, love and thoughts go to his family/friends.... X"

Hampshire chief executive David Mann said: “Everyone at Hampshire is shocked & saddened to hear this tragic news. Our thoughts are with his family"

Dimi Mascarenhas, who is now based in New Zealand as coach of Otago Volts, was one of the first to react to the devastating news.

He wrote: "My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends of Phil Hughes. RIP you little legend #brus"

Dominic Cork, Hughes' Hampshire captain in 2010, said: "The one thing I always remember is the cheeky chappie in the changing room, a man who always had a smile on his face, a man who always worked hard." 

Kabir Ali, who was also a Hampshire player in 2010, tweeted: Just woke up to the sad news that Phil Hughes is no longer with us. Thoughts and wishes with the family, RIP

Hampshire legend Shaun Udal played alongside Hughes for Middlesex in 2009.

He wrote: "Can't believe it #philhughes has passed away, what a tragic waste of a fantastic young mans life #RIPHughesy, just awful news

"Such gr8 memories of fun times @middlesexccc just cant believe that a great human being has gone #RIPHughsey."

Hughes was on 63 when he was struck on the back of the head by a bouncer in a Sheffield Shield match.

Former Hampshire batsman Glenn Maxwell, an Australian teammate of Hughes, tweeted: "63 not out forever... #RIPHughesy"