Intro:

Australian batsman Phil Hughes is in a critical condition after being hit by a bouncer in a domestic first-class cricket match in Sydney.

Script:

Distressing scenes at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Australian batsman Phil Hughes knocked out by a bouncer in domestic first-class cricket.

He was rushed to hospital for treatment.

St Vincent's Hospital spokesperson David Faktor.

SOUNDBITE: (English) David Faktor, St. Vincent's Hospital spokesman
"He arrived in a critical condition and he remains in a critical condition. He's undergoing surgery as we speak."
Q: What sort of surgery? Can you share any details about what they're actually doing?
"No, I couldn't comment on that. Just to say that he is undergoing surgery at the moment."

The Sheffield Sheild match was cancelled.

Hughes was batting confidently on 63 for South Australia against New South Wales, when the incident occurred.

SOUNDBITE: (English) David Faktor, St. Vincent's Hospital spokesman
"Look, I understand he was ventilated at the scene and arrived at St. Vincent's already ventilated and on life support and he underwent scans and then he went to surgery."

Hughes was in contention for Australia's test against India next week.

Cricket Australia's James Sutherland.

SOUNDBITE: James Sutherland, Cricket Australia Chief Executive
"Pleasingly there was medical attention that he was able to receive immediately at the ground and then to be transported to hospital and now we hope that, whatever the procedure is that he is going through, he's come through in the right way and he gets the best possible care and recovery."

It'll reportedly be 24-48 hours before the outcome of the surgery is clear.