With all the protection for players these days, you certainly don't expect to see the scenes we did at the SCG on Tuesday when Hughes was felled by a bouncer, driven off the ground on a mobile stretcher and has now died.

But the tragedy reaffirms that cricket - like any sport - comes with its dangers when you have a 160 gram rock hard ball whizzing around at speed.

Hughes' death highlights the risk a batsman faces; bowlers aren't immune either when a ball gets smashed back at them during their follow-through; and I remember playing in a game where a team-mate fielding at gully wasn't quick enough to get his hands up and copped it flush on the cheek.

KA: Exactly right, Westy. 

There is risks involved with any sport you play. 

What happened to Hughes was a one-in-a-million occurrence, just a freak accident that nobody could have prevented. 

It is shattering news. 

My heart goes out to his family and friends, who have remained by his side since the incident occurred. 

It is one of the sport's saddest days.

We should also spare a thought for bowler Sean Abbott. 

LW: Certainly the last thing you expect as a bowler is for one of your deliveries to have such dire consequences.

Abbott was simply out there doing his job on Tuesday.

When you see what has happened to Hughes, and as much as it's a reminder of the fragility of life, it makes you ponder back to the days before helmets started to become common in world cricket in the 1970s and the potential for horrific injuries - namely in the infamous Bodyline Series of 1932-33.

KA: All players of all ages should be made to wear a helmet, regardless of their ability because anything can happen in a game of cricket. 

Most players at a local level choose to wear helmets, but some don't, some run the risk. 

It would just be horrific to see something like this happen again. 

While the incident was horrible, I hope the bouncer isn't now gone from our game. 

What happened to Hughes was tragic, but not a true reflection of the game. 

LW: I don't agree that players of all ages should be made to wear helmets when they are batting.

At junior level, yes, but at senior level I believe it still should be the choice of the player as to whether they want to wear one or not.

The fact is Hughes was wearing a helmet and it didn't make a difference.

What it probably does do is make batsmen have a good look at what helmet they wear and whether they need to upgrade to one that offers more protection.

​KA: Yes, good point Westy.

Cricketers around the country will no doubt mourn the loss of one of Australia's brightest cricket stars. 

He was one of the youngest players to pull on the baggy green and will be remembered forever. 

LW: I just looked at a photo of him walking out to bat on Tuesday, just as thousands of cricketers will do around the country this weekend.

Never do you think an innings will end in such tragic circumstances.

RIP Phillip Hughes - an innings ended too soon.