Phil Hughes remains in a critical condition and his family face an anxious wait following emergency surgery after he was struck by a bouncer.
Test contender Hughes was rushed to hospital with a head injury after by being hit by a short delivery while batting for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield match at the SCG.
St Vincent’s Hospital spokesman David Faktor later confirmed Hughes had been transferred to the intensive care unit.
“He’s in ICU now, they’ve finished the surgery’s but he’s still in a critical condition,” Faktor told AAP.
“Now they’ll just monitor him.”
Tim Nielsen from SA Cricket read out a statement from the Hughes family outside the hospital.
“The outcome of the surgery is unlikely to be known for the next 24-48 hours,” Nielsen said.
“We would appreciate it if you would look after the family and friends and respect their privacy please.”
Australian team captain Michael Clarke arrived at the hospital to join supporters including Hughes’ mother and sister.
The 25-year-old Hughes was taken to the nearby hospital by ambulance after collapsing when hit by a bouncer from NSW paceman Sean Abbott.
Paramedics performed mouth to mouth resuscitation on Hughes and treated him on the boundary for around 40 minutes after he was taken from the field on a medicab.
The opener had scored a composed 63 off 161 balls and looked to be in good form to claim Clarke’s vacant Test batting spot in next week’s first Test against India.
His injury prompted officials to call an early tea break with SA at 2-136 but play was then abandoned for the day, with shocked fellow players in no mood to continue.
The match has since been abandoned completely.
Hughes’ mother and sister had been in the stands at the game.
Hughes was accompanied to hospital by NSW team doctor John Orchard.
Hughes made his Test debut in 2009 and has played 26 Tests for Australia, compiling 1535 runs at an average of 32.66.
Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland expressed concern and support for both Hughes and shocked fellow players at the ground.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Phil Hughes right now,” Sutherland said in a statement.
“We are also thinking of his family, teammates 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.”
Australian team coach Darren Lehmann was among many in the cricket fraternity to send messages of support for Hughes on social media.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with phil and his family! He is a great fighter and a great young man!” said Lehmann on Twitter.
South Australian Cricket Association chief executive Keith Bradshaw said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Phil and his family and friends.
“We are obviously very, very shocked with what’s occurred and very upset.”
