Australian batsman Phillip Hughes, whose international debut came against South Africa in Johannesburg in February 2009, is in a critical condition after being felled by a short delivery during a first-class fixture at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday.

Several medical staff treated Hughes after a bouncer from seamer Sean Abbott struck the side of the left-hander’s head. He was wearing a helmet and attempting a hook when the incident occurred.

The 25-year-old collapsed on the pitch, lying motionless for about 20 minutes, while Cricket New South Wales doctor John Orchard administered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

He was later taken to St Vincent’s Hospital. The match between New South Wales and South Australia, meanwhile, was abandoned.

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Phil right now. We are also thinking of his family, team-mates and friends in the Australian cricket family.’ said Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland.

‘His welfare is our highest priority . We’re also naturally concerned about all of those involved in the game and will be giving them our utmost support.’

See first footage of the incident below