Phil Hughes Australia
Phil Hughes was reportedly unconscious when he was taken to hospitalReuters

Phil Hughes would have been contemplating playing for Australia in the first Test match against India, with Michael Clarke a major doubt, but that now, unfortunately, looks unlikely after the left-hander was rushed to hospital and then underwent surgery following a sickening blow to the head at the SCG.

Hughes, who remains in critical condition, was batting well on 63 for South Australia in a Sheffield Shield match against his former team New South Wales when a shot delivery from Sean Abbott struck him on the side of his helmet.

The left-handed batsman looked stunned after being hit by the ball before collapsing to the ground head first.

Three ambulances and a helicopter came to Hughes' aid, before the Australia international was taken to St. Vincent's Hospital, where he underwent surgery. The hospital confirmed the 25-year-old was out of surgery at around 5.30 pm local time (12 pm IST) and remains in the intensive care unit in an induced coma.

"Phillip's condition is unchanged and he remains critical," Australia's team doctor Peter Brukner said. "If there are any further developments we will let you know immediately."

Hospital spokesman David Faktor, on Tuesday, confirmed Hughes had undergone surgery. "He arrived in a critical condition and remains in a critical condition. He is undergoing surgery as we speak," Faktor said according to ESPNCricinfo.

"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.

"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."

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News on the outcome of the surgery will take a while to come out. "As you're aware Phil Hughes was injured today and he's undergoing surgery," South Australia high performance manager Tim Nielsen said.

"The outcome of that surgery is unlikely to be known for 24-48 hours, we ask you to respect the privacy of his family and friends."

Hughes needed CPR and oxygen before breathing again, as the blow to the head also drew blood. The latest reports suggest Hughes was, thankfully, breathing on his own when he was rushed to the hospital.

It took a little while for the players to come to terms with the incident, with everyone at the ground in shock at the incident they had just witnessed.

Play was initially suspended for the day with South Australia on 136 for two before being abandoned.

"Phil Hughes has been taken to St Vincent's hospital and clearly the priority is Phil's health," a Cricket New South Wales spokesman said. "We want to keep his family fully informed.

"We don't have any update on his health at the moment. Dr Orchard the doctor on duty has gone with Phil to the hospital and when he is in a position to he will provide a statement on his condition. Until then we can't say any more."

South Australia Cricket Association also released a statement on their player. "On behalf of the SACA Board and administration, our thoughts and prayers are with Phil Hughes and his family at this time," the statement read.

"Phil suffered an injury to his head from a delivery during today's Bupa Sheffield Shield match at the SCG. Phil has been taken to hospital in Sydney and has been accompanied by family members and SACA General Manager High Performance, Tim Nielsen."

Cricket NSW chief executive Andrew Jones asked the media to respect the player and his family's privacy. "For privacy and accuracy reasons we are not in a position to discuss the medical details and we would be grateful if you would respect the privacy of the Hughes family and all the players at this time," he said.

"Players and staff from both South Australia and New South Wales are obviously very concerned for Phil's health and, like Phil, are receiving appropriate support.

"Phil grew up in NSW and is a former Blue and is held in the highest regard by his current and former teammates. The thoughts and prayers of all at Cricket NSW and indeed everyone in Australian Cricket are with Phil the very best for a speedy and full recovery."

Cricket Australia also released a statement, saying Hughes' welfare was their "highest priority."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Phil Hughes right now," CA chief executive James Sutherland said. "We are also thinking of his family, teammates and friends in the Australian cricket family.

"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."