Phil Hughes knocked out by bouncer at SCG

UPDATE: Australian team doctor Peter Brukner has been with Phillip Hughes through the night as the star batsman remains in critical condition.

Screenshot of Phil Hughes hurt during SA v NWS Cricket Phil Hughes hurt SA v NSW

PHILLIP Hughes remained in a critical condition Wednesday morning in the intensive care ward at St Vincent’s Hospital.

Australian team doctor Peter Brukner has been with Hughes through the night and is expected to provide updates on the 25-year-old’s condition throughout the day.

Hughes underwent surgery late Tuesday to relieve pressure to his brain after he was struck in the side of the head by a bouncer in South Australia’s Sheffield Shield match against NSW at the SCG.

Tim Nielsen, the high performance manager for the South Australian Cricket Association, said the outcome of surgery may not be known for some time.

“The outcome of that surgery is unlikely to be known for 24-48 hours and we ask you to respect the privacy of his family and friends.”

Australian captain and close friend Michael Clarke remained with Hughes until late Tuesday night, and has already returned to the hospital this morning.

Tributes and well wishes continue to flood in for Hughes from all over the world, outlining the regard he’s held in by his peers.

“Phillip is receiving the best possible medical care. The thoughts of his teammates and the wider cricket community are with Phil and his family and friends at this difficult time,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.

The statement from Cricket Australia on Hughes’ condition.

Hughes arrived at hospital in an induced coma at 3:30pm after being struck on the head by a Sean Abbott bouncer at the SCG earlier Tuesday afternoon.

MEDIA RELEASE: Statement regarding the condition of Phillip Hughes. http://t.co/blbDaAMuSJ

— Cricket Australia (@CAComms) November 25, 2014

A hospital spokesman confirmed Hughes had suffered a head injury and that he was rushed into surgery after scans were taken.

“He arrived in a critical condition and remains in a critical condition,” the spokeman said.

“I understand he was ventilated at the scene, and arrived at St Vincent’s on life support, then underwent scans and surgery.”

Hughes in happier times in 2012.

There were distressing scenes at the SCG, as the Test hopeful and former Australian batsman was stretchered from the ground at 2:23pm.

Former Australian paceman Trent Copeland, who was at the ground, said: “Immediately you could tell there was something wrong. The players around him were freaking out.

“It was not nice. Very ugly.”

Statement issued by the Indian men's cricket team that is currently touring Australia: The touring Indian cricket team extends its...

— Cricket Australia (@CAComms) November 25, 2014

(2) Best wishes to Phil Hughes and his family at this time we join with the rest of the cricket community around the...

— Cricket Australia (@CAComms) November 25, 2014

(3) world to offer our support and prayers to Phil and his family as well as our friends within Australian Cricket.

— Cricket Australia (@CAComms) November 25, 2014

At least three ambulances and a helicopter were on hand to treat the 25-year-old and transport him to St Vincent’s Hospital. He was reportedly breathing with some assistance when he left the ground.

Australian captain Michael Clarke was one of the first people to arrive at the hospital and was comforting Hughes’ sister and mother Virginia, who were watching the game in the stands.

The opposing Blues players rushed in to help their former teammate and called for medical help from the dressing rooms when Hughes was felled by a bouncer when trying to execute a pull shot.

Doctors attempted to resuscitate the Redbacks star on the wicket and stopped the medical van on the boundary to continue treatment soon after.

Hughes was given CPR on the stretcher as he came off the field, with Australian opener David Warner alongside him.

He was taken to the edge of the field, where a sheet was erected so spectators could not see him receiving treatment.

The NSW Blues released a statement saying Hughes had been taken to hospital via ambulance.

“A full statement on his condition will me made once assessed by doctors,” it read.

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Phil Hughes has been taken to a nearby hospital via ambulance. A full statement on his condition will be made once assessed by Doctors.

— NSW Blues (@CricketNSWBlues) November 25, 2014

Phillip Hughes is struck on the head by a bouncer.

We're told Phil Hughes is in a critical condition after being hit by a bouncer from Sean Abbott at the SCG @9NewsAUS pic.twitter.com/qmvVKBJeVr

— Tom Steinfort (@tomsteinfort) November 25, 2014

South Australia Cricket Association general manager of high performance Tim Nielsen said in a statement: “On behalf of the SACA Board and administration, our thoughts and prayers are with Phil Hughes and his family at this time.”

Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland addressed the media in Melbourne, saying: “All we know is that it is serious and that he’s fortunate to be in the best possible place right now with experts all around him.”

Sutherland said he had received numerous messages of support, including from the New Zealand team which is currently touring the United Arab Emirates.

Phillip Hughes in Australian colours in 2013.

Hoping to press his case for a place in next week’s first Test against India, the opener had scored a composed 63 off 161 balls and looked good before he was hit on the helmet and transported from the ground on a medicab.

The incident occurred at 2.23pm AEDT and play was officially abandoned.

Hughes had been leaving short balls, but had a go at one from Abbott and misjudged it, and was hit in the head.

Hughes had been pushing hard for a berth in the first Test squad to face India in Brisbane.

He had scored 170 runs at 42.50 in three Sheffield Shield matches this season.

Hughes has amassed 1,535 runs in 26 Test matches, dating back to 2009.

Hailing from Macksville on the north coast of NSW, Hughes moved to South Australia last season in a bid to reinvigorate his international career.

WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES BELOW

Hughes collapses in the middle of a group of NSW players.

A screen was erected while Hughes was tended to by ambulance officers and loaded on to an ambulance.

A helicopter landed on the SCG but ultimately wasn’t used.

Originally published as Phil Hughes knocked out by bouncer at SCG