Hughes inquest ends in anger as family scoffs at final submissions

Members of Phillip Hughes' family have scoffed and walked out of a Sydney court in a tempestuous end to an emotional five-day inquest.

A wedge between the cricket community and Hughes' family has deepened at the Downing Centre over whether the 25-year-old was targeted by short-pitched bowling and sledges before he was fatally struck during a 2014 Sheffield Shield match.

Cynical laughter could be heard in the courtroom as Bruce Hodgkinson SC, who is part of a team representing cricket boards and players, said the "bonds of mateship were on display from the moment Phillip was injured.

"The display of affection and respect speaks volumes about this young man," he said in a statement similar to the one delivered by Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland at Hughes' funeral.

"Wherever cricketers gather, they will always hold Phillip Hughes in their hearts."

Hughes Inquest: Day Four Recap

Hughes' sister Megan left the court towards the end of the statement, which was delivered on Friday on behalf of Cricket Australia, the South Australian Cricket Association and Cricket NSW.

The entire family also left the courtroom as Mr Hodgkinson earlier submitted that statements suggesting NSW bowler Doug Bollinger said "I am going to kill you" before Hughes was hit shouldn't detract from the testimony of umpires and players, who say they can't recall the sledge.

The family's barrister Greg Melick SC initially submitted evidence to the inquest that some testimony had been fabricated.

But he later retracted the statement, saying the evidence of players, who all say they can't recall the sledge or a specific plan to bowl short, is not reliable because they first gave statements 18 to 22 months after the events.

"At the end of the day, there was a plan," he said.

"There was sledging and short balls were bowled at Phillip Hughes."

Counsel assisting Kristina Stern SC has submitted it would be unnecessary for State Coroner Michael Barnes to make any finding regarding sledging and that there is no evidence the nature of play in the lead-up exacerbated the risk of injury.

Mr Melick said evidence from retired Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin and Australian vice captain David Warner that there was no sledging at all on the day "beggars belief".

The court has heard NSW bowler Sean Abbott bowled nine straight short balls to Hughes, including the fatal delivery.

Senior Cricket Australia official Pat Howard said the inquest had been difficult for traumatised players, who had been asked to recall disturbing details.

Hughes' family did not say anything as they left the court complex.

Mr Barnes, who had been expected to hand down his findings by the end of the month, on Friday set a date of November 4.