Players in shock over Hughes injury

NSW and South Australian players have rallied around each other following the sickening head injury to Phil Hughes.

Hughes was in intensive care and underwent surgery after being struck in the head by a bouncer during the opening day of the two sides’ Sheffield Shield match at the SCG on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old former Test opener mistimed a hook shot on a Sean Abbott bouncer and was transported from the ground in an ambulance accompanied by NSW and Australian team doctor John Orchard.

NSW paceman Trent Copeland was at the ground but not playing and said the players were all in shock.

He also expressed concern for fellow NSW paceman Abbott.

‘‘I really feel for Sean Abbott because he has done nothing wrong,’’ Copeland told Fox Sports.

‘‘He was just bowling his heart out for NSW. He was not intending to hurt him.’’

Hughes is in his third season with South Australia after spending five years with NSW.

Players and officials from both sides have been offered counselling.

Hughes made his first class debut for NSW as an 18-year-old in 2007 before shifting to South Australia in 2012.

Abbott was teammates with Hughes at the Blues during his stint at NSW.

Several NSW players gathered on the field after play, including Hughes’ former Test opening partner David Warner, who was carrying his baby daughter Ivy.

Australia bowling great Glenn McGrath tweeted his support for Hughes and Abbott.

‘‘Our thoughts are with Phillip Hughes & his family. Wishing him a quick & full recovery ... Our thoughts are also with Sean Abbott.’’

AAP