Players resume bedside vigil for 'critical' Phil Hughes
Shellshocked Australia calls off current round of Sheffield Shield matches as cricket rallies around stricken batsman
Australia cricketer Phillip Hughes remained in critical condition on Wednesday after surgery to relieve pressure on his brain as players rallied around the bowler who inflicted the damage.
The 25-year-old, who was pressing for a test recall, was knocked out by a Sean Abbott bouncer in a freak accident at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday, crumbling to the ground unconscious after the heavy blow to the lower head.
"Philip's condition is unchanged and he remains critical," said Australian team doctor Peter Brukner.
Test captain Michael Clarke was one of the first to arrive at St Vincent's Hospital on Wednesday, resuming a vigil at his close friend's bedside and comforting Hughes' mother and sister.
Cricket Australia (CA) called off the current round of Sheffield Shield matches out of respect for Hughes, while news of the accident stunned the global cricket community and prompted a huge wave of sympathy for the 26-test player.
We are continuing to offer all players and match officials counselling and support at this difficult time
“We’ve spoken to players and the ACA, and given how players across the country are feeling right now, it’s just not the day to be playing cricket and we understand that,” CA official Pat Howard said.