Cricket world in shock as Hughes fights for his life

Australia batsman Phil Hughes remained in an induced coma and critical condition last night after being felled by a ‘bouncer’ at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday.

The world of cricket is in a state of shock at the plight of Hughes, who has undergone emergency surgery after being struck during a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG.

Cricket Ireland tweeted: “Very upsetting news about Phil Hughes in Australia. Needless to say our thoughts are with all those involved.”

Surrey and Ireland’s Gary Wilson wrote: “Here’s hoping for the very best of news on Phil Hughes. Thoughts with him and family and friends.”

England batsman Dubliner Eoin Morgan tweeted: “Thoughts and prayers are with Phil Hughes and his family.”

Hughes was playing for South Australia against New South Wales when he was felled by a bouncer from Sean Abbott. The ball struck him on the side of his head, and the 25-year-old collapsed on the SCG pitch. He received medical attention, before being taken to St Vincent’s Hospital where he underwent surgery. The success of the surgery is not yet known.

Alastair Cook and his England team were in shock at the plight of Hughes, as they prepare for the start of their one-day international series against Sri Lanka today.

Cook said: “The whole team have been in a bit of shock all day.

“All our thoughts and prayers are with Phillip.”

Most of the England team have played against Hughes at some time, and three have been county colleagues in his stints at Middlesex and Worcestershire.

“It’s a really saddening incident,” added Cook.

“Fingers crossed, he can show the same fight he’s shown throughout his whole career and he can pull through.

“This is just something very unexpected,” said Cook. “For that tragedy to happen on a cricket field, I’d never heard of anything (like it).”