The MCC flag at Lord’s cricket ground was lowered this morning in memory of former Middlesex cricketer Phillip Hughes, who died today two days after being struck on the top of the neck by a ball.

Flowers were left at Lord’s Grace Gate as tributes poured in for the 25-year-old opening batsman who was at Middlesex in 2009.

An MCC statement said: “MCC has expressed its deepest sadness at the death of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes. The MCC flag has been lowered in respect.

“The left-handed opening batsman had a successful stint at Lord’s for Middlesex in 2009 and is remembered fondly by those who he befriended during that time.”

MCC President David Morgan, said: “This devastating loss has shocked the cricket world, and on behalf of MCC I offer our condolences to his family and friends.

“I well remember his first series in South Africa. Phillip was a fine cricketer and one who we will tragically never have the chance to see batting again here.

“Cricket can be a dangerous sport, but for a talented young man to lose his life playing the game he loved is beyond most people’s comprehension.

Known as he was to so many at Lord’s, this news will be hard felt,” he said.

Hughes was in instant success at Lord’s scoring 118 in his first innings at the ground against Glamorgan in the County Championship.

He played the Ashes series in England that summer, and appeared in 26 tests for his country, scoring 1,535 runs at an average of 32.65 with three centuries.

MCC supporters paid tribute to Hughes on the Lords Twitter account

Neil ‏@nexstarneil tweeted “all who love cricket are so sad to hear the news of Phil Hughes death. Absolutely tragic. Thoughts for family & friends.”

Anirudh Chatterjee ‏@Anirudh1969 “cruel destiny has snatched away the life of this talented cricketer..May his soul rest in peace.”

Andy Page ‏@mralibi tweeted: “very sad day for all fans of cricket.”

Australian Test batsman Hughes died after the accident during a domestic match in Sydney.

Australia team doctor Peter Brukner said he passed away in a Sydney hospital, never regaining consciousness.