Australia recovery will take time – Warne reacts to Hughes passing

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The 25-year-old failed to recover from injuries he sustained after being hit by a bouncer at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday, and passed away at St Vincent's Hospital.

Hughes' death sent shockwaves through the sport with domestic and international cricket set to be played on Thursday postponed in respect for the batsman.

Warne, who worked with Hughes in the Australian team earlier this year, admits it will be hard for the side to get back to playing cricket, with a four-match Test series against India due to start next week.

"It's obviously just shocking news," Warne told Sky Sports News. "It's horrific and a sad situation that a great young man like Phillip who had the world at his feet is no longer with us.

"It's going to be very difficult [to focus on cricket] to be honest. It's going to take time.

"He's been around the Australian team, he's one of Michael Clarke's best friends, and I know Michael will be struggling. 

"I don't know what's going to happen with the cricket that's meant to be happening next week. It's just one of those situations where everyone's in a bit of shock and it's just so sad."

The former Australia spinner also paid tribute to Hughes' attitude and approach, saying cricket had lost "one of the good guys".

"I think the cricket family has been touched by the story," he added. "It's just a tragedy for sport. 

"We all love sport for the entertainment it gives us, no matter what the sport, and to see this tragedy on the field it's just something that should never happen.

"I worked closely with the Australian team in March and saw how hard he worked. He was very, very humble, loved the game and was very passionate about the game.

"He was trying to become the best player he possibly could and to be taken away from everybody and his family at 25 years of age, it's just a shock to everybody. He was a really good man, one of the good guys."

Warne also called for the sport to support Sean Abbott, the bowler involved.

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