ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Tributes have been flooding in after former Israel cricket captain Hillel Oscar died after being struck by the ball whilst umpiring.
Standing at the non-striker's end, it is believed the ball ricocheted off the stumps after being hit on the head and he Oscar fell to the ground at the match played in Ashdod.
He was taken to a city hospital, but medics were unable to revive him.
The tragedy took place a few days after Australian batsman Phillip Hughes passed away following a similar incident in Sydney.
Born in India, Hillel played 39 ICC Trophy matches, the third-highest amount in ICC Cricket World Cup qualifying tournament history, and scored 355 runs, claimed 21 wickets and took 10 catches.
Israel Cricket Association’s CEO Naor Gudker said: “The entire Israel Cricket Association and players bow their heads in his memory.
"He was a wonderful man, cricketer, and umpire.”
Former Israel captain Herschel Gutman commented: “Hillel first represented Israel in 1982 and made his last appearance for Israel in 2006. He captained the team on a number of occasions.
"He was a very well respected man who played the game in a fantastic spirit."
Email tributes on Hillel Oscar to dcaro@thejc.com.
Full story in Friday's JC.