Cricket World Rallies Behind Injured Phil Hughes

The cricketing world is rallying behind Phil Hughes, who remains in critical condition in a Sydney hospital after being hit in the head by a bouncer.

Past and present players and officials have shown their support on Twitter for Hughes, who'd been chasing a recall to the Australian side for the test series against India.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland says everyone is taking it hard.

"They're all very close to Phil. He's a really popular guy, not just here in Australia but around the world. I just had a message from the New Zealand cricketers who are in the UAE sending their concerns and best wishes."

The Australian cricket team's Dr Peter Brukner gave an update late last night."Phillip is in the best possible hands. The Cricket Australia community and his teammates have the thoughts of his family and his friends."

The outcome of the surgery is not expected to be known until later today or possibly tomorrow.

Black Caps Voice Sympathy 

The Black Caps have been quick to voice their sympathy for Australian batsman Phil Hughes.

The opener is in an induced coma in a Sydney hospital after being hit on the head by a bouncer in a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG.

His condition is listed as critical.

Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum says they're praying Hughes will recover.

"All our thoughts are with Phil at this time and also his family.

"Tragic circumstance which has unfolded and it's never nice to see something like that and we just hope that the best result happens in the next while."

There's one change to the New Zealand side for the third Test against Pakistan starting in Sharjah tonight with Daniel Vettori replacing Jimmy Neesham.

Thoughts And Prayers With Hughes

Leading up to the Sheffield Shield match, Hughes was a leading contender to replace Michael Clarke in the Australian test squad against India next week.

Former Black Cap Ewen Chatfield was knocked unconscious by a bouncer in the mid-1970's, but says they're just a risky element of the game.

"I don't know whether they should be outlawed altogether, I think it's part of the game and now your number 11's odds on for bouncers but you get only one an over, so no I don't have a problem with it."

While thoughts and prayers are with Hughes this morning, there's plenty of sympathy's for bowler Sean Abbott.

Chatfield was knocked unconscious by a bouncer from England's Peter Lever.

Chatfield says Lever went through a tough period after the incident.

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