David Hookes dies after assault

David Hookes, the former Australian Test batsman and Victoria's coach, died in a Melbourne hospital today after being injured outside a St Kilda hotel.

Hookes, who was only 48, was treated by paramedics for half an hour at the scene of the assault before being rushed to intensive care. He was in a coma for a while but eventually his family took the agonising decision to switch off the machine at 7pm local time.

A 22-year-old man, Zdravco Micevic, was charged with assault after a brief appearance in the Melbourne Magistrates Court.

Hookes made a memorable Test debut against England in the Centenary Test at Melbourne in March 1977, scoring 56, including five boundaries off a single Tony Greig over. He went on to play 23 Tests between 1977 and 1986, making 1306 Test runs, including a top score of 143 not out, at 34.36. When he retired from first-class cricket in 1992 he was the highest runscorer in Australian domestic cricket. In retirement Hookes has become a successful coach and an outspoken media pundit.

Community members wishing to send messages of support can fax The Alfred Hospital on 03 9276 2928, or e-mail foundation@alfred.org.au .