Hookes dies after assault

Former Australia Test batsman David Hookes has died from head injuries sustained in an assault outside a Melbourne pub, his brother Terry Cranagh announced today.

Paramedics found Hookes, 48, clinically dead on the pavement and spent half an hour trying to resuscitate him at the scene.

The Victoria coach and media figure was then transferred to the Alfred Hospital, where he lay in a coma on a life-support machine.

"We, the family of cricketer David Hookes wish to inform David's many friends, family members and fans that he passed away today, at the Alfred hospital in Melbourne," read the family statement.

"We wish to thank those people involved in his care, including the bystanders and emergency paramedics, who helped him at the scene, and the staff of the Alfred.

"We would also like to thank the community members who have expressed their support in this difficult time.

"We are grateful to Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria for their support. Our thoughts are also with David's team-mates, past and present.

"David had been celebrating Victoria's cricketing win over South Australia with friends at the Beaconsfield Hotel before the incident occurred.

"We trust the police will conduct a full investigation into the cause of the incident and the justice process will provide us with some insight into what occurred."

Hookes was allegedly felled by a single blow from a bouncer outside the Beaconsfield Hotel in St Kilda.

A 21-year-old man, Zdravco Micevic, was today charged with one count of assault after a brief appearance in the Melbourne Magistrates Court.