Hughes died November 25, 2014 when hit by a bouncer bowled by Sean Abbott in a Sheffield Shield game.

However, the inquest did focus on sledging.

The inquest heard of allegations surrounding Doug Bollinger who was alleged to have threatened Hughes with violence which Bollinger denied.

NSW Coroner Michael Barnes found that Hughes had been targeted by short pitched bowling, but that the ball was not delivered with malicious intent.

“Phillip was targeted by short-pitched balls bowled at or over leg and middle stump that placed him in greater danger of being struck,” said Mr Barnes.

“Of the 23 bouncers bowled on that day, 20 were bowled to him, however in view of the evidence of the other players, the presiding umpires ... that Phillip was, because of his very high level of skill and competence, comfortably dealing with the short-pitched balls.

“I conclude no failure to enforce the laws of the game contributed to his death. Compliance with the rules makes the game safer but it cannot make it risk-free.”

On sledging, Barnes said: “Hopefully, the focus on this unsavoury aspect of the incident may cause those who claim to love the game to reflect upon whether the practice of sledging is worthy of its participants.

“An outsider is left to wonder why such a beautiful game would need such an ugly underside.

“Sledging is a term used to describe humorous, insulting or threatening remarks directed at a batsman or spoken in his or hearing with a view to intimidating the batsman or breaking his or her concentration. It is very common.

“Indeed, one experienced player said it had occurred in every high level game he had played in, except the one he participated in on the weekend after Phillip’s death. The repeated denials of any sledging having occurred in the game in which Phillip Hughes was injured were difficult to accept.

“Members of Phillip’s family considered that the spirit of the game had been disrespected by an opposition bowler who they alleged made threats of violence towards Phillip or his batting partner.

“That was denied by the bowler in question and the batting partner but there was other evidence contradicting those denials and supporting the family’s claims. The inquest didn’t have jurisdiction to investigate whether the rules had been complied with during the game, unless an alleged breach may have contributed to the death.”