Phil Hughes: Australia players to be given counselling after injury
Players who witnessed batsman Phil Hughes suffering a serious head injury in Sydney will be given counselling.
Hughes was left in a critical condition after being struck by a bouncer from New South Wales fast bowler Sean Abbott whilst playing for South Australia.
Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association will work together to arrange the counselling.
CA chief James Sutherland said there was concern for all the players, who would get "our utmost support."
ACA chief executive Alastair Nicholson added: "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."
Meanwhile, the cricketing world has sent messages of support to Hughes following the Australia batsman's injury in the Sheffield Shield match.
The 25-year-old was taken to nearby St Vincent's hospital where he underwent surgery.
Legendary Australia spinner Shane Warne wrote on Twitter: "Hang in there buddy, we are all fighting with you."
Australia batsman David Warner was fielding for New South Wales when the incident occurred and rode alongside Hughes when he was taken off the field of play.
He wrote on Twitter: "Thoughts are with my little mate Hughesy and his family. He is a fighter and a champion and he will get through this. Praying for you buddy."
The sport's governing body, the International Cricket Council, wrote on Twitter: "Thoughts of the entire cricket community are with Philip Hughes now."
Former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee told reporters: "He's a terrific guy he's got his whole career ahead of him and deserves the best. The other guy that will be in shock is poor Sean Abbott, the guy that bowled the ball."
England captain Alastair Cook is in Sri Lanka for a one-day series and said: "All our thoughts and prayers are with Phillip.
"We have guys who played with him from Worcester, Middlesex, and quite a few of us have played against him.
"It's a sad incident and I hope he can show the same fight he's shown his whole career."
England bowler James Anderson said it was "sickening to hear" and his team-mate Stuart Broad urged Hughes to "fight hard", adding "everyone's thoughts are with you and your family".
Ex-England spinner Graeme Swann described Hughes as "a cracking bloke" and said he had "everything crossed for a full and speedy recovery".
Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen posted the Twitter hashtag #PrayForPhilHughes, while ex-England captain Michael Vaughan described the news as "devastating".
India batsman Virat Kohli called Hughes "a top man" and added "all the strength goes out to you".
South Africa one-day captain AB de Villiers said it was a "horrible incident" and that he was "hoping for a speedy recovery".
There was also sympathy for pace bowler Abbott with ex-Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist urging him to "stay strong".
Former Australia fast bowler Glenn Magrath also tweeted "our thoughts are with Sean Abbott".
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