Phil Hughes critically hit in head (Video)

Australia batsman Phil Hughes is in a critical condition after being struck by a bouncer in Sydney.

The South Australia batsman, who played 26 Tests between 2009-2013, collapsed after a delivery from New South Wales bowler Sean Abbott hit his helmet.

Hughes was carried off on a stretcher and treated on the boundary before being taken to hospital in an ambulance where he has undergone surgery.

The Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground was abandoned.

Hughes played for the one-day side against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates last month and was in line for a possible Test recall following reports that Australian captain Michael Clarke might be ruled out of the first match against India on 4 December.

After being hit by the ball, Hughes put his hands on his knees before falling face first on to the pitch.

He was immediately surrounded by opposition players and umpires, who called for help.

A doctor who treated Hughes at the scene accompanied the player to Sydney`s St Vincent`s Hospital, Australian media reported.

Australian coach Darren Lehmann wrote on Twitter: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Phil and his family! He is a great fighter and a great young man!”