South Australian batsman Phillip Hughes was taken to a hospital in critical condition after he was knocked out by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield clash at the SCG on Tuesday.
Hughes made 63 out of the Redbacks total of 136 for the loss of 2 wickets when he was hit in the head after misjudging a ball from Sean Abbott. A medical helicopter landed at the SCG to allow expert medical staff to assist Hughes.
Doctor John Orchard – Cricket Australia’s chief medical officer – treated Hughes on the scene and travelled with Hughes to Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital where he arrived in critical condition.
St Vincent’s Hospital spokesman David Faktor said the cricketer was in critical condition and he was undergoing thorough diagnostic scans . Blues bowler Trent Copeland, who was at the ground but not taking part in the match, said it was a frightening moment.
Hughes was one of a number of batsmen in line for a possible Test recall following reports that Australian captain Michael Clarke had been ruled out of the first Test against India at Gabba.
Clarke, a close friend of Hughes, arrived at St Vincent’s shortly after the incident. The 25-year-old Hughes has played 26 Test matches for Australia and has scored three Test centuries.
He has not played Test cricket since Australia played England at Lord’s in July 2013.
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