The cricketing world has reacted with shock at the news that Australian cricketer Phil Hughes was in a critical condition after being hit by a bouncer whilst batting in a Sheffield Shield game.
He was struck at the back of his skull by a bouncer bowled by young fast bowler Shaun Abbott. The video is distressing to watch as Hughes firstly stumbles after being struck and then collapses face first into the pitch. He was taken to hospital and underwent emergency surgery and remains in a critical condition in Sydney, Australia, hospital. News of his condition remains limited and the family have asked for privacy at this time. The game between South Australia and New South Wales was abandoned out of respect for Hughes.
All cricketers have experienced the pains that the gentlemanly game of cricket can present. Purple bruises, cracked or broken fingers and split finger webbing count amongst the most common injuries suffered by regular players. However, this is a new level of injury which no-one was prepared for in the modern game. Phil Hughes is definitely no journeyman player – he has played the game at the highest level and the fact that a professional player, equipped with the latest in safety gear, can suffer such an horrific injury is a sobering thought for players and spectators alike.
A brief look at Hughes’ cricketing CV reveals a sportsman with a significant talent. In his debut Test series against South Africa, he scored a century in each innings of the second Test. He also scored a century on his One Day International debut. Along with young left arm spinner Ashton Agar, he set a Test record of 163 runs for the 10th wicket in the 2013 Ashes series against England.
There are number of other high profile cricketing injuries which remind us of exactly how dangerous this very competitive sport can be. In 1998, West Indian International Phil Simmons was also hit on the head by a fast bouncer and his heart stopped for a short period. Immediate medical attention meant that he made a full recovery. South African international wicket keeper Mark Boucher, who owns just about every record there is to own for a wicket keeper, lost the sight in his eye in 2012 when a bail hit him in the eye, ending his career.
The cricketing world awaits news of Hughes’ condition, with the hope that the makes a full recovery as soon as possible. Social media has been abuzz with support for both players. There has been a public outpouring of sympathy for Hughes, as well as for the young fast bowler Shaun Abbot who as just doing his job on the day.
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