SYDNEY: Australia batsman Phil Hughes was rushed to a Sydney hospital to undergo surgery after being struck on the head while batting during a domestic first-class match on Tuesday.

Hughes, who was wearing a batting helmet, reeled back and then bent forward momentarily after the impact of the short-pitch delivery and then fell forward to the ground.

He was treated and ventilated on the field by doctors and medics before being moved on a motorised stretcher to the boundary, and later taken to a nearby hospital by ambulance.

St Vincent's Hospital spokesman David Faktor said Hughes arrived in a critical condition and had scans before undergoing surgery.

South Australia Cricket Association high performance manager Tim Nielsen said the outcome of the surgery was unlikely to be known for one or two days, and he requested privacy for the Hughes family and friends who had gathered at the hospital.

The 25-year-old Hughes, who played for New South Wales before moving to South Australia last season, was considered a strong contender to play in the first test against India next week if injured skipper Michael Clarke is ruled out.

He was batting confidently on 63 when he was hit on the back, left side of the head by a bouncer from New South Wales fast bowler Sean Abbott.

News of the accident was quickly broadcast on TV and radio. Clarke went quickly to the hospital, where he joined Hughes' mother and sister, who had been at the Sheffield Shield match.

Hughes has played 26 test matches for Australia since his debut in 2009 but hasn't been able to cement a regular spot in the starting line-up.

Australian and international players and officials were quick to react, sending messages of encouragement to Hughes via social networking sites.

“He is a great fighter and a great young man!” Australia coach Darren Lehmann posted on Twitter.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said Hughes' health was the main concern. The match at the Sydney Cricket Ground was canceled.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Phil Hughes right now. We are also thinking of his family, team mates and friends in the Australian cricket family,” said Sutherland.

“His welfare is our highest priority . We're also naturally concerned about all of those involved in today's game. “