Concern for player welfare has led to the abandonment of the full Sheffield Shield round of matches, as cricketers around Australia take in the plight of Phillip Hughes.
The game Hughes was playing in, South Australia’s clash with NSW at the SCG, was called off on Tuesday following the bouncer blow that has left SA batsman Hughes fighting for his life in hospital.
On Wednesday morning, Cricket Australia also abandoned Queensland’s match against Tasmania at Allan Border Field and the MCG fixture featuring Victoria and Western Australia before play on day two.
“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 general manager of team performance Pat Howard said.
The decision to scrap the matches was made in consultation with players and the Australian Cricketers Association (ACA).
“The advice of experts and the thoughts of the players were given strong consideration in this decision,” ACA chief executive Alistair Nicholson said.
“We agree that given the unique and very serious nature of this situation, players and officials are best placed surrounded by family and friends, supporting one another and sending their best wishes Phillip’s way.”
Counselling and support is being offered to players, officials and their families by CA and the ACA.
“(The ACA) extends this support to any former players who may be affected by the events in Sydney,” Nicholson said.
The three games were the final chance for Australia’s Test players to have some match practice before taking on India at the Gabba next week.
Some players will potentially take part in grade cricket on the weekend, but understandably that is nobody’s priority at the moment.
Cricketers turned pale-faced in Melbourne and Brisbane as news filtered through that Hughes had undergone emergency surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain and was in an induced coma.
“There are a few guys in there a bit shocked and visibly upset,” Queensland coach Stuart Law said after players were briefed by Howard on Monday.
“There are some very close mates in both dressing rooms.
“They have every possible means of help around them – if they struggle, let’s hope they use that help.”
All six states will receive one point from the round.
