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:
Treatment is given as players and medical staff await an ambulance. Hughes is breathing through an oxygen mask at this stage:
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:
Hughes arrives at St Vincent’s Hospital where he is rushed directly in for surgery:
Cricket fans across the globe take to social media to extend their support and best wishes:
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.
vikramsudan
Guest
Phil Hughes was very good bataman l wish to support his family australia cricket his talent is ignored why phil hughes was not selected in test team vs india he was talented player he should be in the test team in playing eleven David warner &hughes were should open for australia
Big Ramifications
Guest
I like your surname. It would be cool if your first name was Merv.
Amit Kirve
Guest
This news is very bad news for all over world. I am very sad because phillip is my faverite batsman. GOD BLESS HIM.
aqibmuhammad
Guest
Feeling so sad i am from pakistan i pray any time of your health phillips huges
Shouts Chen
Guest
Wish him a speedy recovery.
Lara mazzetti
Guest
Me neither?!
Big Ramifications
Guest
Thx, appreciate your reply.
JGK
Roar Guru
No - the patchy video is what the CA streaming showed at the time. I watched it all live but though it was my internet but it seems it was a problem at the SCG. The cameras at the ground might have better quality footage on tape.
Big Ramifications
Guest
What's with the absolutely crap 3 frames-per-second footage? Was that done out of respect for our Phil, or is that seriously the best they've got? Not being ghoulish here, I just wanna know what the hell happened. I've heard / read THREE different accounts of where he was hit. Video from the news outlets is complete rubbish.
arun sahu
Guest
oh god!!!!!!what you did with hughes? I pray you for recovering the australian buddy.I hope you will make him present on the ground very soon......
Perry Bridge
Guest
It's debateable as to whether it actually should be classified a bouncer or just a short of a length delivery to a shorter batsman.
Jo M
Guest
You can't be serious. He did not deliberately aim at the side of his head at all. Sean Abbott is absolutely devastated, as are all the players that were there. It was just a horrendously tragic accident. Nobody is at fault here.
Chui
Guest
I don't know where to start with this comment.
Muppet
Guest
There is no way Abbott aimed to hit the side of Hughes' head. He just bowled a bouncer - like any fast bowler around the world does.Hughes unfortunately turned his head - exposing the unprotected part behind his ear. If Abbott had such pinpoint accuracy he would be the best bowler to walk the planet.
Ajmalkhan Hameed
Roar Rookie
So sad, Best wishes and a speedy recovery for Phil Hughes, Almighty will gives all the best for him.
Johnny Boy Jnr
Guest
I hope Abbott is feeling rather pleased with himself. Aiming a delivery at the side of a batsman's head is a dog act
degsy
Guest
Best wishes and a speedy recovery for Phil Hughes from a concerned Pommie
Brains of a bimbo (Atgm)
Guest
All the best to Phil.youre a champ mate!
Matt
Guest
Dude...
Prashant
Guest
Get well soon