Michael Clarke's tribute to Phillip Hughes: 'We're going to miss that cheeky grin and twinkle in his eye. Rest in peace bruzzy'

The Australian cricket captain struggled to hold back the tears as he read out his statement

Michael Clarke delivered an emotional tribute to Phillip Hughes on behalf of players at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where the cricketer suffered the fatal injury that led to his death on Thursday.

25-year-old Hughes died after being struck on the head by a ball during a domestic cricket match on Tuesday, causing a catastrophic injury from which he never recovered, sending Australia and the world into mourning.

Clarke broke down a number of times as he paid tribute to his late friend.

"Words cannot express the loss we feel as a team right now," he said.

"We are going to miss that cheeky grin and that twinkle in his eye. He epitomised what the baggy green was about and what it means to us all.

"The world lost one of its great blokes this week and we are all poorer for it.

"His legacy of trying to improve each and every day will drive us for the rest of our lives.

"Our dressing room will never be the same. We loved him and always will. Rest in peace bruzzy."

Players requested that Hughes' one-day international number, 64, be retired from the Australian cricket team.

Tributes continue to flood in for Hughes from around the world.

The second test between Pakistan and New Zealand was postponed and when play resumed on Friday, there was no celebration of wickets or centuries.

"The game was irrelevant at that stage, that was just a natural reaction by a group of people whose mind was elsewhere," New Zealand coach Mike Hesson told reporters.

"We didn't bowl any bouncers and that was to show respect."

Australia was set to play India in their first Test match on Thursday, December 4, but have postponed the game to another date, as yet unconfirmed.

Clarke's statement came just a day after he delivered one on behalf of Hughes' family.

Speaking at St Vincent’s Hospital, where Hughes was treated, he had read: "We're devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother, Phillip. It's been a very difficult few days.

"We appreciate all the support we have received from family, friends, players, Cricket Australia and the general public."

Hughes' funeral is expected to take place on Wednesday. On Sunday the cricketer would have turned 26.