Sadness over Hughes death

Tributes have been paid to Australia batsman Phil Hughes

Hughes has died aged 25, two days after being struck on the head by a bouncer while batting for South Australia against New South Wales at Sydney Cricket Ground.

Current Australian coach Darren Lehmann, a former white rose player, said on twitter: “RIP you little champ, we are all going to miss you. Love, prayers to all the Hughes family xxxx”

Yorkshire CCC’s Australian coach Jason Gillespie said: “Can’t comprehend it. Shaking. Our deepest condolences to Phillip Hughes’s family and friends.”

Former Yorkshire and England captain Michael Vaughan said: “Just far too young...He was only doing the job he loved...and was brilliant at it...”

Ex-Yorkshire and England bowler Matthew Hoggard said: “Thoughts have go to Sean Abbot (the bowler) too. Nobody would have thought such a tragedy could occur.”

Batsman Joe Root, currently on tour with England in Sri Lanka, said: “Awful to wake up to the news of Phil Hughes. Tragic day for the sport. Thoughts go out to those close to him.”

Clare Frisby, who is presenting the Courier business awards at The Venue, Barkisland, tonight, said: “Tragic news this morning about Phil Hughes - my thoughts go to all those who loved and cared for him.”

Yorkshire County Cricket Club have secured 10 players on new contracts as preparations continue for the start of 2015 campaign and England top-order batsman Joe Root has signed a two-year extension until 2016.

The Sheffielder is joined by wicketkeeper Andrew Hodd and leg-spinner Adil Rashid, who will play their cricket at Yorkshire until at least 2016.

“It is important to keep the squad together as much as we possibly can,” said Yorkshire’s Director of Cricket Martyn Moxon.

Bradford-born seamer Moin Ashraf has signed a one-year agreement until the end of next season. The 22-year-old will spend the winter playing grade cricket in Adelaide and will depart for the southern hemisphere on Friday.

Yorkshire have rewarded three players – slow left-armer Karl Carver and seamers Matthew Fisher and Josh Shaw – with professional contracts. The trio featured prominently with the England under 19s during the summer have signed two-year deals.