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Australian cricket player in critical condition after being struck by ball

The incident occurred when a "bouncer" struck 25-year-old Australian cricketer Phil Hughes during a match between Hughes' South Australia team and the Sydney-based New South Wales team.

By JC Finley
Australian cricketer Phil Hughes, in a photo dated Feb. 2010, was critically injured during a match on Nov. 24, 2014, in Sydney, Australia. CC/YellowMonkey
Australian cricketer Phil Hughes, in a photo dated Feb. 2010, was critically injured during a match on Nov. 24, 2014, in Sydney, Australia. CC/YellowMonkey

SYDNEY, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- Australian cricketer Phil Hughes was listed in critical condition Wednesday morning after being struck on the head by a ball during a match Tuesday afternoon in Sydney.

The incident occurred during a match between Hughes' South Australia team and the Sydney-based New South Wales team.

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"As you are aware Phil Hughes was hit and injured by a bouncer at the SCG this afternoon," Cricket New South Wales wrote in a statement. "He received immediate treatment at the ground led by CNSW and CA Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Orchard. He was then taken to hospital by ambulance and is receiving the best available care."

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the "bouncer" missed Hughes' helmet and struck the side of his skull, behind his ear. The impact caused Hughes to collapse seconds later face-first into the pitch. CPR was administered and he was reportedly intubated before being transported to St. Vincent's Hospital, where he underwent surgery to relieve swelling in his brain.

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A hospital spokesman said that Hughes remained in critical condition on Wednesday morning.

Cricket Australia issued a statement that New South Wales bowler Sean Abbott was not at fault for the bouncer that struck Hughes. CA and the Australian Cricketers' Association said it would offer counseling to players who witnessed the incident.

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