Aussie cricketer Phil Hughes critical after being hit by bouncer

According to reports, he was taken to hospital in ventilated state and being operated upon.

The 25-year-old South Australia opener was playing in a Sheffield Game at the SCG.

He was hit on the side of his head while attempting to hook a rising fast delivery from Sean Abbott.

He stood on the pitch for a few moments before collapsing face first on the ground.

Though he was wearing a batting helmet but wearing a helmet, the ball managed to hit the back left side of the skull.

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 told media.

He has arrived in the hospital in a ventilated state and was being operated.

"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," Faktor added.

The South Australian Cricket Association said the outcome of the surgery was unlikely to be known for one or two days.

Australia coach Darren Lehmann said his thoughts and prayers where with Hughes.

"He is a great fighter and a great young man!" Lehmann posted on Twitter.

Former Australia cricketer Adam Gilchrist tweeted, "Dear Lord, if ever the need for footprints in the sand, it's now."

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, Sutherland added."

Team India captain Virat Kohli aslo prayed for Hughes.

In twitter Indian skipper posted, "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."

It has been learnt that 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.

Clarke went to the hospital in a show of support for Hughes' family.

Earlier, Clarke has been ruled out of first Test against India starting in Brisbane on Dec 4.

According to reports, Cricket Australia wanted Clarke, who is batting hamstring injury, to prove his fitness in the tour match against India in Adelaide starting on Friday.

Clarke however, has been learnt opted out of it and according to Australian press reports, will be made to sit out of the 1st Test starting December 4.

It may be noteworthy Indian team will also take the field without its regular skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni during the Brisbane test.

He is recovering from finger injury.