Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes has died after suffering a severe head injury during a Sydney cricket match.

The 25-year-old was hit on the head during New South Wales' first-class match against South Australia on Tuesday.

Cricket Australia said: "We are extremely sad to announce that Phillip Hughes has passed away at the age of 25. Our thoughts go out to Phillip's family, friends, and the entire cricket community on this incredibly sad day."

Australian team doctor Peter Brukner issued a statement confirming that the cricketer passed away in hospital.

"It is my sad duty to inform you that a short time ago Phillip Hughes passed away," Mr Brukner said. "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."

An emotional Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke read a statement from the family at a news conference on Thursday.

He said: "We're devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother Philip. 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 Philip's life, and we as a family shared that love of the game with him."

Philip Hughes had scored 63 runs when he was hit by a ball from bowler Sean Abbott. He was wearing a helmet at the time.

New South Wales players and the umpires quickly rushed to his side and called for help.

Tony Grabs, a surgeon at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney, said Philip Hughes suffered "catastrophic head injuries".

He said surgeons removed part of the batsman's skull to relieve pressure on his brain, but he did not improve and died as a consequence of his injury.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has led the tributes to the cricketer. 

"His death is a very sad day for cricket and a heart-breaking day for his family," Mr Abbott said in a statement. "What happened has touched millions of Australians. For a young life to be cut short playing our national game seems a shocking aberration."