Cricketer Phillip Hughes was a young man living out his dreams, Prime Minister Tony Abbott says.
Hughes has died in a Sydney hospital two days after being hit by a bouncer.
“His death is a very sad day for cricket and a heartbreaking day for his family,” Mr Abbott said in a statement on Thursday.
Mr Abbott said the incident had touched millions of Australians.
“For a young life to be cut short playing our national game seems a shocking aberration.
“He was loved, admired and respected by his teammates and by legions of cricket fans.”