Israeli cricket umpire Oscar Hillel died after being struck by a ball during the final league game of the season between champions Lod and Ashdod last weekend.

Just an hour earlier, the 58-year-old Israeli had observed a minute's silence for Australian batsman Philip Hughes, who had died several days earlier after being hit by a bouncer.

Hillel was hit when the batsman struck the ball at the bowler's wicket. The ball was deflected by the stumps onto the umpire's jaw. Hillel then reportedly suffered a heart attack.

Players and then Magen David Adom paramedics were able to keep Hillel alive but he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Ashkelon's Barzilai Hospital.

His wife, Jenny, said: "It's hard to take in. A man goes out to play cricket and gets killed."

Hillel, a department-store manager, was a former captain of the Israel national cricket team. He was an international umpire who adjudicated in European internationals and the Maccabiah games. Israel Cricket Association head Naor Gudker said: "We're simply in shock. He was an international umpire with a bright career ahead of him."