It was Gilchrist, who perhaps best captured the heartache of the nation and the sport's worldwide community when he simply tweeted 'No no no no no. RIP Phillip Hughes'.
India's little master Sachin Tendulkar said: 'Shocked to hear about Phil. Sad day for cricket. Deepest condolences to family, friends and well wishers. RIP" From the Prime Minister Tony Abbott came this statement.
Flags have been lowered to half mast in London at the home of cricket, Lord's, as the English players, officials and fans join their Australian counterparts in mourning the death of the 25-year-old.
Hughes had stints with three English county sides - Middlesex, Hampshire and Worcestershire - between 2009 and 2012 and left a lasting impression both on and off the pitch.
Play was also called off in the third test between Pakistan and New Zealand in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday as a sign of respect.
The Pakistan Cricket Board and New Zealand Cricket agreed to suspend the second day's play as a tribute message and photos of Hughes adorned the ground's scoreboard.
