A man charged over an assault that led to the death of former Australian Test cricketer David Hookes was also charged with manslaughter on Thursday, court officials said.
Zdravko Micevic, 21, was originally charged with assault but a second charge of manslaughter was added when he made a brief appearance at the Melbourne Magistrates court.
Local media reported that Micevic's lawyer Brian Rolfe told the court his client would plead not guilty to both charges. Micevic was released on bail and told to reappear on April 13.
Hookes died on Monday night after suffering serious head injuries and a heart attack in an assault outside a Melbourne hotel where Micevic worked as a security guard.
The 48-year-old Hookes had been drinking at the pub the previous night with players from the Victorian and South Australian teams.
Witnesses said the former player was left unconscious after a scuffle broke out between two groups of people outside the pub.
He was resuscitated at the scene and rushed to hospital in a coma but never regained consciousness.
Hookes was one of Australia's most popular and charismatic players. He played 23 Tests from 1977-86 and worked as a coach and media commentator after his retirement.
His death has received massive coverage across Australia.
