Phillip Hughes Struck on Head During Sheffield Game, In Critical Condition

Australian batsman Phil Hughes is in a state of induced coma after being struck on his head during a Sheffield Game at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday. (Update: Phil undergoes surgery, Clarke with Hughes' family in hospital)

The 25-year-old cricketer - wearing a helmet - attempted to hook a rising fast delivery from Sean Abbott but was hit on the side of his head instead. He stood on the pitch for a few moments before collapsing face first on the ground. (Also read: Cricket community unites in prayer for Phil Hughes)

Dear Lord, if ever the need for footprints in the sand, it's now #PhilHughes #courage #strength

- Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) November 25, 2014

With three ambulances and a medical helicopter on standby for the match, Hughes was treated on the field immediately and was then taken to the boundary for further aid. He was then transferred to a St. Vincent's Hospital nearby. "He arrived in a critical condition and remains in a critical condition," David Faktor, a hospital spokesperson said. "When he arrived he underwent a set of scans to establish the extent of his injuries and then a decision was made to perform surgery. All I could confirm is that he did sustain a head injury and that he is in a critical condition at the moment.

Faktor also said that Hughes arrived in the hospital in a ventilated state. "I understand he was ventilated at the scene and arrived at St Vincent's already ventilated and on life support and he underwent scans and then he went to surgery," he said. (Also see: India Draw Tour Match Against Cricket Australia XI)

With the Test series against India coming up, Hughes was expecting a Test call to replace an injured Michael Clarke. He was in good form and had hit 63 for South Australia against New South Wales before misjudging the bouncer.

Play was suspended for the day as fellow Australian and other international cricketers tweeted their best wishes for the batsman.

Thoughts and prayers with Phil Hughes all the way. Fight it out mate. You are a top man. All the strength goes out to you and your family.

- Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) November 25, 2014

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland also extended his best wishes to Hughes. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Phil Hughes right now. We are also thinking of his family, team mates and friends in the Australian cricket family," he said. "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."

Cricket Australia, in a statement, stated that Team India had also conveyed support for Hughes. "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," the touring party said.

Following video courtesy 3news.co.nz report posted on Youtube by 'Starters.'