Australian Test batsman Phil Hughes is in a critical condition after being hit in the head during a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG.
The South Australia left-hander was wearing a helmet after a turning his head away from a bouncer NSW’s from Sean Abbott was struck beneath the back of it.
After the initial contact Hughes first bent over before collapsing on the pitch.
Cricket Australia’s chief medical officer Dr John Orchard was on the scene and gave Hughes mouth-to-mouth before he was taken from the field on a stretcher.
The 25-year-old was then taken via medical helicopter to St Vincent’s where following surgery to release pressure on his brain he has been placed in an induced coma.
The game was abandoned with Hughes on 63 in the Redbacks’ 2 for 136 before the match was abandoned following the incident.
South Australian Cricket Association high-performance manager and former Australia mentor Tim Nielsen spoke on behalf of his family, of which his mother and sister were at the ground.
“The outcome of that surgery is unlikely to be known in the next 24 to 48 hours,” said Nielsen.
“In the meantime, we would really appreciate if you look after his family and friends and respect their privacy please.”
Image via Getty
