Hughes 'critical' aftet short-ball blow in Sydney
Dave Middleton
Batsman in intensive care following emergency surgery after being struck by a bouncer
Phil Hughes remains in a critical condition in intensive care and on life support in an induced coma tonight following emergency surgery in a Sydney hospital.
Hughes collapsed at the wicket having been struck in the head by a bouncer in the West End Redbacks' Bupa Sheffield Shield match at the SCG.
St Vincent's Hospital spokesman David Faktor confirmed Hughes had been transferred to the intensive care unit.
"He's in ICU now, they've finished the surgery's but he's still in a critical condition," Faktor said.
"Now they'll just monitor him."
The next 24 to 48 hours will be crucial for Hughes with all thoughts turning to the batsman's welfare. The Sheffield Shield match has been abandoned by mutual agreement between both teams' captain and coach.
Hughes was struck on the back, lower left side of the head when he turned away as he followed through with an attempted pull-shot to a regulation short-pitched delivery from young NSW quick Sean Abbott. No blame is attached to Abbott who was first on the scene to offer Hughes assistance.
Hughes was 63 not out when the incident occurred, as the left-hander swung at an Abbott bouncer and misjudged his shot, taking the brunt of the delivery on the back, lower left side of his head.
The momentum of his follow through took Hughes to the side of the pitch where he rested momentarily looking at his feet, with one hand on his knee and propped up by his bat in his left hand. He then collapsed, falling face-first to the ground as the NSW players, fellow batsman Tom Cooper and umpires rushed to his aid.
Medical assistance was quickly on the scene, with NSW Blues team doctor and Cricket Australia's chief medical officer Dr John Orchard attending. Play was suspended with the score at 2-136 midway through the second session.
Hughes's mother and sister were in the stands at the SCG. They and SACA General Manager High Performance, Tim Nielsen, were with Hughes at St Vincent's, along with Dr Orchard.
Australia captain and close mate Michael Clarke soon arrived at the hospital to join the well-wishers.
Nielsen made a short statement outside the hospital: "As you're aware Phil Hughes suffered an injury today and he's undergoing surgery. The outcome of that surgery is unlikely to be known for 24 to 48 hours. In the meantime we appreicate it you look after family and friends and respect their privacy please."
Quick Single: Best wishes flood in for Hughes
Hughes was taken from the SCG field on a medicab, with NSW batsman and
Australia squad teammate David Warner riding alongside his mate.
He was treated on the boundary by Dr Orchard and paramedics as three ambulances arrived at the SCG before a medivac helicopter landed on the outfield.
Hughes received mouth-to-mouth rescusitation and oxygen on the boundary line as teammates and police erected a white screen to shield the medical activity. St Vincent's Hospital confirmed he was ventilated at the ground and was on life support when he arrived at the hospital.
Hughes was taken to the hospital in nearby Darlinghurst via ambulance.
The air ambulance helicopter was not required to transport Hughes.
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said the match had been abandoned in agreement with both teams as Hughes's welfare took 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," said Sutherland.
"I think everyone knows and understands the way he plays his cricket. He’s fiercely determined and extremely proud of his achievements.
"I guess he’s a quiet achiever, but he has the respect of all of his teammates."
"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 also sent his support to Hughes.
"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," said Nicholson.
"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."
Cricket NSW CEO Andrew Jones added: "Players and staff from both South Australia and New South Wales are obviously very concerned for Phil’s health and, like Phil, are receiving appropriate support," Jones said.
"Phil grew up in NSW and is a former Blue and is held in the highest regard by his current and former teammates.
"The thoughts and prayers of all at Cricket NSW and indeed everyone in Australian Cricket are with Phil the very best for a speedy and full recovery."
Hughes has 26 Test appearances for Australia since making his debut in 2009. A prolific batsman with 26 first-class centuries and an average of 46.18. He was expecting to be fighting for a possible Test berth with uncertainy surrounding the fitness of Clarke and had looked in good touch, compiling a patient half-century before the blow.
