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South Australia batsman Phil Hughes has collapsed in a Sheffield Shield match after being struck on the head by New South Wales fast bowler Sean Abbott.
LATEST: Phil Hughes passes away
After being hit on the head, Hughes looked down at his feet and grasped his knees, before collapsing face first to the pitch, prompting a swift response from the medical staff at the ground. Dr John Orchard and his team were on hand immediately to put Hughes on a stretcher.
Hughes was wearing a helmet at the time of the incident, but the ball reportedly slipped underneath the grill to strike him on the jawline.
St Vincents Hospital have confirmed that Hughes had scans upon arrival, and the batsman has had surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain. He is currently in the Intensive Care Unit in a critical condition.
Images and community reaction to Hughes tragedy: Warning, graphic material
The players and staff responded quickly after seeing him in a bad state.
He was treated on a medicab on the ground, before a helicopter landed in anticipation of taking him to a hospital. He was eventually taken to the hospital by the ambulance. A sheet was erected around Hughes while being treated by medical staff before he left the ground. He was intubated at the scene. SEN have reported that Hughes was in cardiac arrest when he was in the centre of the ground.
CPR has reportedly been administered to the injured batsman. He was described by the NSW Ambulance service as being in a critical condition. He is believed to be breathing through an oxygen mask while being treated.
Cricket NSW didn’t comment on the condition of Hughes when he was taken to hospital.
Hughes had passed the half century before being hit in a push to make the Australian team for the first Test against India, but in light of the injury, that barely seems relevant.
There has been no update as to exactly how serious his condition is beyond that he is in a ‘critical condition’. The Australian have described him as “Gravely ill”.
The game between South Australia and NSW has been abandoned.
The Roar sends its best wishes to Phil and his family, and sincerely hope for a swift recovery.
There has been an outpouring of support, both on Twitter and already in the comments on this site for the batsman, as well as fast bowler Sean Abbott, whose delivery it was that felled Hughes.
Incidents like these put the games and players that we enjoy watching and debating squarely into perspective.
Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland has expressed his concern and sympathy for Hughes, and said the batsman’s welfare was the top priority.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Phil Hughes right now. We are also thinking of his family, teammates and friends in the Australian cricket family.
“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.”
Australian Cricketers’ Association Chief Executive Officer Alastair Nicholson said the following.
“We were obviously shocked to learn of the seriousness of the incident involving Phil. While we have faith that he’s receiving the best available treatment, the situation will impact his family, friends, and those directly involved on the field.
“The ACA is therefore working closely with CA to arrange the appropriate counselling for those affected. Naturally our thoughts are with him and we wish him well from all the ACA members.”
South Australian cricket have released the following statement:
“On behalf of the SACA Board and administration, our thoughts and prayers are with Phil Hughes and his family at this time.
“Phil suffered an injury to his head from a delivery during today’s Sheffield Shield match at the SCG.
“Phil has been taken to hospital in Sydney and has been accompanied by family members and SACA General Manager High Performance, Tim Nielsen.”
I don’t follow cricket but all sports lovers would wish all the best to Phil Hughes, and also the poor bowler Sean Abbot who must feel awful
— Guido Tresoldi (@GuidoTresoldi) November 25, 2014
Phil Hughes leaves the SCG (Photo: Mark Travers)
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