Sydney:Australian team doctor Peter Brukner confirmed Tuesday that batsman Phillip Hughes sustained a severe head injury while batting for South Australia in a domestic first-class match here and "is in a critical condition".
The left-handed batsman collapsed on the ground after a delivery from New South Wales pacer Sean Abbott hit his helmet during a Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales (NSW) at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
He was treated on the ground by Cricket NSW medical staff and transferred by an ambulance to St. Vincent's Hospital. He subsequently underwent surgery and remains in a critical condition in the hospital's intensive care unit.
"Phillip is receiving the best possible medical care. The thoughts of his teammates and the wider cricket community are with Phillip and his family and friends at this difficult time," Brukner said in a statement.
"We ask that you kindly respect the family's wishes for privacy."
Meanwhile the Indian cricket team, currently in Australia to play a four-match Test series, issued a statement in support of the critically injured batsman Phillip Hughes who was being struck by a short delivery during a domestic first-class match in Sydney Tuesday.
"The touring Indian cricket team extends its best wishes to Phil Hughes and his family at this time," the release read.
"We join with the rest of the cricket community around the world to offer our support and prayers to Phil and his family as well as our friends within Australian Cricket."
