Australian cricket star Phil Hughes in a coma after being hit in the head by ball

Test hopeful Phil Hughes is now in an induced coma following surgery at a hospital in Sydney.

15:51 25 November 2014

Australian cricket star Phil Hughes is currently in an induced coma after being hit in the head by a ball.

On Tuesday, the 25-year-old collapsed face first on the pitch after he was hit by a bouncer bowled by New South Wales’ Sean Abbott during day one of the Sheffield Shield.

The sporting star was rushed to a hospital in Sydney where he was put in an induced coma following surgery. Reports say that he is now fighting for his life as his friends and family are on his bedside.

The athlete’s mother and sister were in the stands at the time of the incident.

The hospital spokesman David Faktor told Daily Mail Australia: 'He's in the best of hands, he has loved ones here.’

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland, described Hughes as a quiet achiever.

'He's a really popular guy, not just from Australia but from around the world,' Mr Sutherland said.

'His welfare is our highest priority.'

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia said that no blame is being put on Abbott – the fellow cricketer who threw the ball.

'Abbott, along with all cricketers from both teams, have been offered counselling and support from Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association,' the organisation wrote on its news website.