Australian Test batsmen, Phil Hughes, has been struck in the side of the head by an SCG bouncer during the Red Backs’ Sheffield Shield clash with the NSW Blues on Tuesday afternoon.
LATEST: Phil Hughes passes away
A St Vincents Hospital spokesman said that Hughes had scans upon his arrival, and the he has undergone surgery aimed at relieving the pressure on his brain. He is currently in an induced coma in the hospital, with further updates expected in the next 24 hours.
After being hit on the head, Hughes looked down at his feet and grasped his knees, before collapsing face first to the pitch. This prompted a swift response from Dr John Orchard and his team of medical staff at the ground.
The ball reportedly slipped underneath the grill to strike him on the jawline, despite Hughes wearing a helmet when he was struck.
Hughes initially appeared to have absorbed the blow, but seconds later, collapsed at the crease and the seriousness of the injury was quickly apparent.
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.
A rescue helicopter was called in to rush the injured Hughes to hospital, while ground medical staff were required to administer CPR.
Hughes is believed to be in a highly serious condition, and is in an induced coma.
The match between Australia and South Australia has been abandoned as a result of the injury.
Attendees at the match took to social media to document the tragedy. This is how the events unfolded:
WARNING: Some may find the following images disturbing.
Phil Hughes collapses at the crease after being struck in the head by a bouncer. Following the blow he appeared to keep his feet, before collapsing face first into the pitch:
Phil Hughes was given CPR as stretcher was brought off field, reports, @toneharper http://t.co/Sm5f0ZJr67 pic.twitter.com/H5u5HlpYbY
— Greg Barila (@GregBarila) November 25, 2014
Treatment is given as players and medical staff await an ambulance. Hughes is breathing through an oxygen mask at this stage:
Serious concerns for Phil Hughes after he was hit on the side of the head by a bouncer http://t.co/GIrdhsHtUO pic.twitter.com/d75OWjGJ4M
— smh.com.au (@smh) November 25, 2014
A helicopter lands on the SCG to rush a critical Hughes to hospital. Ground staff were attending to Hughes for 15 minutes before he was taken from the ground:
Helicopter on the field to transport Phil Hughes to hospital. Grave fears after struck in the head. Pic: M. Travers pic.twitter.com/MZgMhhIwPx
— Gus Bruno (@gusbru07) November 25, 2014
Hughes arrives at St Vincent’s Hospital where he is rushed directly in for surgery:
Phil Hughes is being operated on at St Vincent's hospital and is in a critical condition. His mother and sister are with him.
— Peter Lalor (@plalor) November 25, 2014
Cricket fans across the globe take to social media to extend their support and best wishes:
Awful news about Australian cricketer Phil Hughes – hit on the head by a bouncer today and very seriously ill. Praying for him.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 25, 2014
Just heard the sickening news about Phil Hughes- sending my every thought and best wish to the SA batsman
— Kate Ellis (@KateEllisMP) November 25, 2014
Hughes was unbeaten on 63 when the incident occurred and his side sat at 2-136 as play was suspended.
Hughes missed selection in the squad to face India in the first Test starting on December 4, although has been recently touted by many, including current Test opener Chris Rogers, as being a key piece in the future of Australia’s Test side.
In the wake of Michael Clarke’s omission from the Test side, Hughes has been shortlisted by many as a potential replacement.