<p>Israeli cricket team's former captain and an international umpire died after being hit by a ball in the chest during a local match in coastal city of Ashdod, days after tragic death of a promising Australian player in similar circumstances.<br /><br /></p>.<p>According to spectators, 55-year-old Hillel Oscar collapsed after being struck in his upper body by the ball.<br /><br />He was evacuated to Barzilai Medical Center in Asheklon where he succumbed to his injuries yesterday.<br /><br />Australian batsman Philip Hughes died last week after being hit by a ball in the neck during a provincial match.<br /><br />According to one of the Ashdod players, who was quoted by Ynet news portal, a fast delivery from the bowler came off the bat of the batsman, hit the wicket and then struck the umpire in the chest.<br /><br />The umpire, who was standing a few meters behind the wicket, fell and apparently suffered a heart attack.<br /><br />Police said that they were investigating the incident.<br />"The cricket family bows its head over the passing of Hillel Oscar. This is a tragedy for his family and for cricket in Israel," Israeli Cricket Association CEO Naor Gudkar was quoted as saying by the Jerusalem Post.<br /><br />Cricket is not a very popular sport in Israel, though there is an amateur league comprising players from India and countries like South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. <br /></p>
<p>Israeli cricket team's former captain and an international umpire died after being hit by a ball in the chest during a local match in coastal city of Ashdod, days after tragic death of a promising Australian player in similar circumstances.<br /><br /></p>.<p>According to spectators, 55-year-old Hillel Oscar collapsed after being struck in his upper body by the ball.<br /><br />He was evacuated to Barzilai Medical Center in Asheklon where he succumbed to his injuries yesterday.<br /><br />Australian batsman Philip Hughes died last week after being hit by a ball in the neck during a provincial match.<br /><br />According to one of the Ashdod players, who was quoted by Ynet news portal, a fast delivery from the bowler came off the bat of the batsman, hit the wicket and then struck the umpire in the chest.<br /><br />The umpire, who was standing a few meters behind the wicket, fell and apparently suffered a heart attack.<br /><br />Police said that they were investigating the incident.<br />"The cricket family bows its head over the passing of Hillel Oscar. This is a tragedy for his family and for cricket in Israel," Israeli Cricket Association CEO Naor Gudkar was quoted as saying by the Jerusalem Post.<br /><br />Cricket is not a very popular sport in Israel, though there is an amateur league comprising players from India and countries like South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. <br /></p>