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Hughes remains in critical condition

Phil Hughes was the victim of a bouncer, but is there a real danger to bowlers as well? (AP Photo/Chris Crerar)
26th November, 2014
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News of a tragic injury to Australian batsman Phil Hughes has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.

In light of the injury the nation’s domestic competition, the Sheffield Shield, has been suspended for the week with players being offered counselling to help alleviate the significant distress caused by the 145km per hour bouncer that stuck Hughes.

The ball, which sent Hughes falling face first onto the pitch, was bowled by 22-year-old NSW pace bowler Sean Abbott.

Hughes, who was reportedly struck behind the left ear remains in a medically induced coma and is surrounded by family, friends and Australian Test captain Michael Clarke.

Numerous news sources indicate that Hughes at one point stopped breathing and required mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to keep the courageous batsman alive.

Hughes was airlifted to St. Vincent’s hospital in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, where he will require further scans to evaluate his position.

At around 2:00pm on Wednesday afternoon, Australian cricket’s team doctor, Dr Peter Brukner, addressed with media to reveal the current condition of Hughes.

Dr Brukner indicated that, “Phillip’s condition is unchanged and he remains critical.”

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Only the one sentence statement was issued by the Australian team doctor and no press questions were allowed.

The 25 year old was rushed to hospital yesterday to relieve pressure on his brain following the accident, which has been likened to “a bullet” by Sydney University’s Edouard Ferdinands [in a report with News Limited].

Fredinand [to News Limited] said that “the danger to Phil Hughes would be a combination of bleeding into the upper part of the spinal cord from the fracture”.

He further indicated “the reason that he needs ventilating in the induced coma is to reduce the oxygen requirements to his brain, and therefore he has more chance of avoiding brain damage.”

There has been a flooding of support from players from around the world, both past and present, with many jumping to social media to send prayers and wishes to Hughes and his family.

While this injury may not change the nature of cricket it will most likely instigate much needed improvements to helmet design and technology.

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