Cricketer Phillip Hughes has spent a second night in an induced coma as family and friends maintain their bedside vigil at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital.
Hughes’ skull was fractured after a bouncer struck him behind the ear in a spot not protected by his helmet during Tuesday’s Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
There have been questions raised about a delay in the ambulance response after the initial call for help was made.
NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner released a statement last night, referring to “conflicting information distributed by NSW Ambulance regarding [the] response to the Sydney Cricket Ground”.
“I will be meeting with NSW Ambulance Commissioner Ray Creen to discuss the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Ms Skinner said.
“My thoughts remain with Phillip Hughes and his family, who I know are receiving the very best care at St Vincent’s Hospital.”
Cricket teams returned to their home states after the round of Sheffield Shield fixtures was abandoned.
West Australian Cricket Association chief executive Christina Matthews said a number of Warriors players were close to Hughes and the incident had affected them.
She said the Association was determined to provide all the support it could to players after the incident.
“We’ve got a session lined up with our team psychologist and player development manager, and we’ll just talk to them about what services are available to them and what support we can provide should we need any,” she said.
Warriors captain Adam Voges said the incident had come as a huge shock to the cricket community and the team’s thoughts and prayers were with Hughes and his family.
“Some guys knew Phillip a lot better than others, so some guys are probably more affected than some, but it’s obviously a hard time for everyone,” he said.
Australian team doctor Peter Brukner said yesterday afternoon that Hughes’ condition was “unchanged, and he remains critical. We will let you know of any further developments”.
An update on Hughes’ condition is expected later today.