Traumatised players from the New South Wales and South Australia sides are being offered counselling after batsman Phillip Hughes was taken to the hospital following a shocking head injury that needed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and surgery.
The incident left the players from both sides shocked and traumatised as they witnessed the painful sight of the 25-year-old lying motionless on the ground.
Alastair Nicholson, recently appointed the chief executive of the Australian Cricketers Association, said: “We were obviously shocked to learn of the seriousness of the incident involving Phil. While we have faith that he’s receiving the best available treatment, the situation will impact his family, friends, and those directly involved on the field.
“The ACA is therefore working closely with CA to arrange the appropriate counselling for those affected. Naturally our thoughts are with him and we wish him well from all the ACA members,” he was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Hughes, who has played 26 Tests, made his debut in the longest format at the age of 20 against South Africa in 2009. In only his second match, he became the youngest batsman to post two centuries in a Test match. Raised in Macksville in country NSW, Hughes made his name with the Blues before moving to South Australia for the 2012-13 season. Players were reportedly heard crying at SCG.