Australia batsman Phil Hughes is in intensive care and on life support in an induced coma after being struck on the head by a bouncer in a Sheffield Shield match.
Despite wearing a helmet, the 25-year-old collapsed face first onto the Sydney Cricket Ground pitch, having been hit on the head after playing and missing at a bouncer from Sean Abbott.
The incident in the game between New South Wales and Hughes' South Australia side prompted play to be abandoned for the day, while it was later announced the match has been postponed entirely as the players come to grips with what has happened.
He was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital and spokesman David Faktor confirmed that after surgery, Hughes had been transferred to the intensive care unit.
Speaking to cricketaustralia.com.au he said: “He’s in ICU now, they’ve finished the surgery’s but he’s still in a critical condition. Now they’ll just monitor him.”
The back, lower left side of his head
The left-hander, on 63 at the time, put a hand on his knee after being struck before falling face first to the ground.
Cricket Australia’s official website reports that Hughes was “stuck on the back, lower left side of the head” after following through an attempted pull shot. The governing body added that no blame could be attached to Abbott.
He was then given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and oxygen on the boundary line after being carried off the pitch on a stretcher, and was then taken to nearby St Vincent’s by ambulance.
The South Australian Cricket Association’s general manager high performance Tim Nielsen, who was in the crowd with Hughes’ mother and sister, added at the time: “As you’re aware Phil Hughes was injured today and he’s undergoing surgery.
“The outcome of that surgery is unlikely to be known for 24-48 hours, we ask you to respect the privacy of his family and friends.”
Thoughts and prayers
Hughes has been in and out of Australia’s Test side since making his debut in 2009 and has not featured in over a year.
But he was in line for a potential recall for the first Test against India next month, with captain Michael Clarke — who made a visit to St Vincent's — a serious doubt with a hamstring injury.
His last appearance for his national side came last month in a one-day international against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.
Australia coach Darren Lehmann was among the first to pass on his well-wishes as he wrote on Twitter: “Our thoughts and prayers are with phil and his family! He is a great fighter and a great young man!”
Hughes’ fellow Australia international David Warner was in the field when the incident occurred and he rode alongside Hughes when he was wheeled off the field on a medicab.
He wrote on Twitter: “Thoughts are with my little mate Hughsy and his family. He is a fighter and a champion and he will get through this. Praying for you buddy.”
Peter Siddle and Mitchell Johnson have also taken to the social networking website to support their stricken colleague.
“Sad to hear about my little mate Hughsey. Thoughts go out to him and his family. Stay strong brother! X,” Siddle wrote.
“Thinking of you mate! Hope everything is ok with u Hughesy,” added Johnson.
A reminder
The incident will serve as a reminder to the dangers facing batsmen against fast bowlers, despite the protective equipment available.
For now, though, all thoughts are understandably with Hughes and Cricket Australia chief executive officer James Sutherland is keen to not only support the batsmen but all those involved in Tuesday’s shocking incident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Phil Hughes right now. We are also thinking of his family, team-mates and friends in the Australian cricket family,” he said.
“His welfare is our highest priority. We’re also naturally concerned about all of those involved in today’s game and will be giving them our utmost support.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board also sent a message of support, tweeting: "Thoughts with Phil Hughes and his family from all at ECB. Get well soon."
