One match has already been called off.

And it remains to be seen how the rest of this round’s Sheffield Shield fixtures will be affected by Phillip Hughes’ shocking head injury judging by players’ reaction in Brisbane on Tuesday.

Players from both Queensland and Tasmania appeared shellshocked as they emerged from a briefing on Hughes by Cricket Australia high performance chief Pat Howard after the first day’s play at Allan Border Field.

Others were simply battling.

Ex-Test batsmen Ed Cowan and George Bailey, both of Tasmania, were some of the few players to emerge from the dressing room shortly after the briefing but cut shattered figures as they tried to fathom the tragedy.

The NSW-South Australia clash was called off after the serious nature of Redbacks batsman Hughes’ injury was discovered.

Queensland coach Stuart Law was not sure how it would affect the Bulls-Tasmania clash on Wednesday as players got their head around the news.

“There are a few guys in there a bit shocked and visibly upset,” the ex-Test batsman said after the briefing.

“There are some very close mates in both dressing rooms.

“We have to look after those guys especially the guys who were closest to it (in Sydney).

“Your heart goes out to those players.

“Let’s hope they cope with it.

“They have every possible means of help around them – if they struggle, let’s hope they use that help.”

Law admitted it was hard to stop word filtering through to players at Allan Border Field after Hughes’ injury before the official briefing.

“It’s a bit hard with you blokes (media) around isn’t it?” he said.

“When something happens to one of your top players in the country and the extent of the injury (is revealed) people tend to find out pretty quick.

“But we addressed the players as soon as we could to let them know so it is not a shock to them.

“But it is one of those horrible instances and hopefully the boys will sleep a bit better on it tonight (Tuesday evening).”

Queensland will resume at 1-73 on Wednesday in reply to Tasmania’s 217 first innings.

Former Test No.3 Usman Khawaja is 31 not out off 35 balls and opener Joe Burns unbeaten on 29 off just 30.

Queensland’s returning Test quick Ryan Harris (0-51 off 13) was the only member of the Bulls attack who did not grab a wicket on Tuesday.

But the Bulls still had plenty to celebrate with the ball thanks to Queensland captain James Hopes (4-14 off 20 overs) and quick Luke Feldman (4-69).

Jon Wells (47) top scored for Tasmania.

But Alex Doolan (12 off 38 balls) missed a chance to push his Test cause.