Australian cricket was numb with shock on Tuesday night, with Phil Hughes in a critical condition after a sickening blow to the head caused him to collapse on the SCG pitch.
The Sheffield Shield game between NSW and South Australia was abandoned as Hughes had surgery at St Vincent's Hospital, his teammates and opponents in a state of distress.
Hughes began the day in contention for the Test batting spot to be vacated by injured captain Michael Clarke, but all talk of hamstrings and selection speculation paled into insignificance when the 25-year-old tried to hook a bouncer from NSW paceman Sean Abbott and was hit on the side of the head.
NSW players and batting partner Tom Cooper yelled for medical assistance.
He was stretchered from the field with friends from his former state, NSW, around him, and was treated by Cricket Australia's chief medical officer John Orchard before three ambulances and a helicopter arrived.
Hughes was in a critical condition after surgery on Tuesday night.
"We're all in shock," Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said on Tuesday afternoon. "All we know is it's serious, and he's fortunate to be in the best possible place right now with experts all around him.
"To be honest, it sends shudders through you a little bit. I took a call just after lunch and it makes a lot of things flash through your mind, I guess. But the most important thing right now is about Phil and his health and safety. Obviously, our thoughts and prayers are with him and with his family and friends."
All the players who witnessed the accident have been offered counselling and support. David Warner stayed close to his friend while he was receiving treatment.
"Obviously, it's difficult for them being there. They are all very close to Phil. He's a really popular guy, not just here in Australia but around the world. I've just had a message from the New Zealand cricketers in the UAE sending their best wishes to him. All we can do is hope he gets the best possible care and recovers as quickly as possible," Sutherland said. "Everyone knows the way he plays his cricket. He is fiercely determined, extremely proud of his achievements and I guess he is a quiet achiever, but has the respect of all of his teammates."
South Australia's high-performance manager Tim Nielsen accompanied Hughes and members of his family to hospital. "As you're aware, Phil Hughes was injured today and he's undergoing surgery," Nielsen said. "The outcome of that surgery is unlikely to be known for 24-48 hours, we ask you to respect the privacy of his family and friends."
Australian Cricketers' Association boss Alistair 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," Nicholson said. "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."
Hughes was wearing a helmet when he was struck. Helmets are mandatory for junior batsmen and wicketkeepers in Australian cricket but optional at first-class level.
Cricket Australia is alert to the issue of concussion in cricket, and is trialling guidelines that recommend a player should not be allowed to return to the field on the day of injury.
"It's something that is absolutely on our radar and something we have been looking at for some time," Sutherland said. "This only brings home the importance of thinking that through, not only in terms of how quickly people get back on the ground but also other issues around that."
