Strap the pads on, tighten the laces and make your way out to the middle contemplating the innings at hand - not potential injuries, a trip to hospital and a fight for your life.

Yet in one split second the absolute worst case scenario has played out on the cricket pitch, indeed any sporting field, indeed any situation.

Someone has died.

Phil Hughes passed away this afternoon at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney surrounded by family, friends and fellow cricketers.

The 25-year-old from Macksville, just a few hours north of Maitland, had been in a critical condition and induced coma for two days after being struck in the head with a bouncer doing what he does best - play cricket.

Hughes was in the midst of a Sheffield Shield match for South Australia against his home state of NSW at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday afternoon.

He was not out and potentially playing the innings that would see the NSW Country junior recalled to the Australian side for the first Test against India in Brisbane next week.

It all changed in an instant.

A delivery from Sean Abbott knocked Hughes to the ground.

The immediate concern for his well being could be seen in his opponents' eyes as they waved for assistance.

Hughes was rushed from the field, given CPR and taken for emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain caused by internal bleeding from major arterial damage.

Despite the initial battle ultimately the treatment wasn't successful - the damage had been done.

Batsman being struck on the head isn't new to the game of cricket and fast bowlers have long used short balls as a tactic to keep opponents on their toes.

Over time this has resulted in a duck, a weave or a dismissal.

Sometimes bruises, stiches or a rattling cage.

And even concussion, a bit of claret or a broken jaw, aka Rick McCosker in the centenary Test of 1977.

But not even the most hot-blooded paceman would ever want to see this.

It is the harshest of reminders about the dangers of facing up to a 156-gram leather-bound six-stitcher delivered at up to 160 kilometres per hour.

It is the harshest of reminders about the dangers of sport, which was also unearthed on the rugby league field earlier this year with the spinal injury suffered by Aberdeen-bred Newcastle Knights forward Alex McKinnon.

And it is the harshest reminders about the way life can change so quickly - a young man on the verge of a Test recall playing the game he loves now gone from this world.

The thoughts and prayers of the Mercury sports desk, the local cricket community and indeed the Maitland sporting family are with Hughes' loved ones.

The game will never be the same again.