MickeyD
RIP
http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/story/802977.html
Phillip Hughes is undergoing surgery and remains in a critical condition after suffering a sickening blow to the head during the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and South Australia at the SCG.
Hughes was taken by ambulance to St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney after the incident on day one of the match, which the Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland confirmed had been abandoned. Hospital spokesman David Faktor said Hughes was in surgery.
"He arrived in a critical condition and remains in a critical condition," Faktor said. "When he arrived he underwent a set of scans to establish the extent of his injuries and then a decision was made to perform surgery. All I could confirm is that he did sustain a head injury and that he is in a critical condition at the moment."
ESPNcricinfo understands the surgery was to relieve pressure on Hughes' brain. Tim Nielsen, South Australia's high performance manager, said the outcome of the surgery was not likely to be known for some time.
"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."
Hughes was taken to hospital after a sickening blow to the head left him motionless on the SCG pitch on day one of the match. Three ambulances and a medivac helicopter attended to 25-year-old Hughes after he was struck midway through the day. Play was suspended when he left the field and then abandoned after he was conveyed to St Vincent's Hospital by ambulance. Players and officials were comforted at pitchside as Hughes was treated.
Hughes had made 63, playing well against his former state and in contention for the spot to be vacated by the injured captain Michael Clarke in the team for the first Test in Brisbane next week.
But in trying to push along his score, Hughes attempted a hook at the fast medium of Sean Abbott about 2.23pm, and was hit in the side of his helmeted head, a blow that drew blood.
For a few moments he stood, bent over head down and reeling from the impact before collapsing, face first, onto the pitch - a second hefty blow to the head in itself. Distressed players gesticulated for assistance and team medical staff were quickly out onto the field, where Hughes was tended to before a motorised stretcher carried him, still motionless, from the ground.
Play was suspended as he was treated in front of the Members Stand by the Cricket NSW doctor John Orchard, receiving mouth to mouth and also oxygen while players and officials waited for the arrival of an ambulance. David Warner stood by Hughes' side for much of this time, while his Redbacks batting partner Tom Cooper removed his pads.
Three ambulances eventually arrived, the first about 2.50pm, while a medivac helicopter also landed in the middle of the SCG. Efforts to get Hughes breathing again appeared to be successful, and it was eventually decided to take him to hospital by ambulance, which left the ground about 3.05pm en route for St Vincent's Hospital. Clarke drove to St Vincent's to visit Hughes. The pair have been friends as well as teammates for some years.
Andrew Jones, the Cricket NSW chief executive, said Hughes was receiving "the best available care". "He received immediate treatment at the ground led by CNSW and CA Chief Medical Officer Dr John Orchard. He was then taken to hospital by ambulance and is receiving the best available care.
"For privacy and accuracy reasons we are not in a position to discuss the medical details and we would be grateful if you would respect the privacy of the Hughes family and all the players at this time. 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.
"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."
The South Australian Cricket Association released a statement on Hughes: "On behalf of the SACA Board and administration, our thoughts and prayers are with Phil Hughes and his family at this time. Phil suffered an injury to his head from a delivery during today's Bupa Sheffield Shield match at the SCG. Phil has been taken to hospital in Sydney and has been accompanied by family members and SACA General Manager High Performance, Tim Nielsen."
Sutherland said CA's thoughts were with Hughes. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Phil Hughes right now. We are also thinking of his family, team mates and friends in the Australian cricket family. 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."
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