I am deeply saddened by the passing of cricketer Phillip Hughes.

This is a heartbreaking time for all cricket and sport lovers in our State. Phillip was a much-admired, dedicated and supremely gifted cricketer who we all felt was on the verge of fulfilling his immense talent.

Phillip’s meteoric rise from the small town of Macksville on the NSW North Coast to the Australian Test team, where he hit a century in each innings of just his second Test, will forever be etched in our nation’s proud cricket history.

It’s clear by the events of recent days that Phillip made a positive and lasting impression on everyone he met.

My condolences at this distressing time are with Phillip’s family and friends, his current and former teammates and the entire cricket family.

As a mark of respect I have asked all flags on NSW Government buildings and establishments be lowered to half-mast tomorrow.