Cricket: Black Caps offer support for Aussie batsman Phil Hughes

Phillip Hughes of South Australia is struck in the head by a delivery during day one of the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and South Australia. Photo / Getty Images.

New Zealand's cricketers were shocked by the news of the terrible injury suffered by Australian batsman Phil Hughes in Sydney yesterday.

Hughes is currently in hospital in critical condition after emergency surgery after being hit on the back of the head, beneath his protective batting helmet, while batting in a Sheffield Shield match for South Australia.

The news stunned the Black Caps on the eve of their third test against Pakistan in Sharjah, with several players taking to social media to offer messages of support for Hughes and his family.

Former captain and senior Black Caps batsman Ross Taylor tweeted his concern, saying: "Thoughts are with Phil Hughes and his family. Get better soon mate."

Fellow batsman Corey Anderson echoed those sentiments, tweeting: "Never nice to see or hear about other players getting seriously hurt. Thoughts are with Phil Hughes and his family. Get well soon."

Opening batsman Martin Guptill posted another hopeful message, which read: "Thoughts and prayers go out to Phil Hughes and his family. Hoping he pulls through quickly and we see him back out on the park soon."

Back home in New Zealand, troubled batsman Jesse Ryder offered his support, saying: "Not flash news about Phil Hughes. Thoughts are with you an your family."

The reaction was the same around the world, with England cricketers learning of Hughes' situation on the eve of the first one-day international against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Some members of the England squad, including Steven Finn, Eoin Morgan and Moeen Ali count Hughes as a county team-mate from his stints at Middlesex and Worcestershire.

Captain Alastair Cook told The Daily Mail: "The whole team have been in shock all day to be honest with you. Not just guys from Worcester and Middlesex, but also a lot of us who have played against him.

"Fingers crossed he can show the same fight he has shown throughout his whole career, and he can pull through. We're sending him our best from here.

"I've never heard of this kind of thing in my career. To have it all over the papers now, it's just taken us all by shock.

"It does make you aware that when a guy is bowling at 90mph it's a dangerous game. Hopefully it's just an isolated incident and Phil pulls through. All our thoughts are with him at the moment."

England fast-bowler James Anderson tweeted: "Awful news about Phil Hughes. Sickening to hear. Praying for him and his family."

His fellow international paceman Stuart Broad added: "Awful news about Phil Hughes. Fight hard, everyone's thoughts are with you and your family".

Kevin Pietersen posted a simple message with the hashtag: "#PrayForPhilHughes".

Retired legspinner Graeme Swann: "I can't believe what I've just heard about Phil Hughes. Everything crossed for a full and speedy recovery. He's a cracking bloke."

Former Australian great Shane Warne also offered his support, tweeting: "Just heard the news about Phil Hughes, thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. Hang in there buddy, we are all fighting with u !!!"

Hughes' good friend David Warner, who was playing for opponents New South Wales added: "Thoughts are with my little mate Hughsy and his family. He is a fighter and a champion and he will get through this. Praying for you buddy."