Sheffield Shield round abandoned

Update

The cricket community worldwide is in mourning today following the death of Phillip Joel Hughes, aged 25.

Cricket Australia announced the news with a statement from team doctor Peter Brukner. 

Read more here.

Earlier

Cricket Australia has announced that the current round of the Bupa Sheffield Shield has been abandoned.

The match between the NSW Blues and West End Redbacks at the SCG was abandoned yesterday after batsman Phillip Hughes was rushed to hospital having been struck on the head by a bouncer.

It was confirmed this morning that the other two matches this round – in Melbourne and Brisbane – have also been abandoned.

The decision was made following consultation with the players and the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA).

"There were a number of players that were shocked and very devastated by what had happened," ACA Chief Executive Alistair Nicholson said this afternoon.

"In conjunction with Cricket Australia ... it was decided not to play and we think that was the right decision.

"The players now are obviously going home where it’s relevant to be looked after in their states and with the ACA."

Nicholson said there have been no discussions as yet about the status of the upcoming fixtures on the Australian calendar, most pressingly India’s tour match against a Cricket Australia XI, which begins on Friday in Adelaide, and the first Test against India starting on December 4. 

"Obviously, every player and how they react is different," Nicholson said.

"In regards to those fixtures later on, that's not something we've had any specific conversations on yet."

The ACA has made a range of counselling services available to players and their families following the incident at the SCG, which left Hughes in a critical condition.

ACA officials have flown to Sydney to offer support for the players involved in the match, and Nicholson said they were co-ordinating services for players in other states.  

In addition, an extra counselling service has been made available through a partnership with Relationships Australia.

"These counselling services are made available by the ACA and Cricket Australia for members who may not feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues with their State Association or the ACA," the ACA said in regards to the Relationship Australia service.

Upon announcing that the Shield round had been abandoned, Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager of Team Performance Pat Howard said the thoughts of the cricket family were with Hughes.

"We've spoken to players and the ACA, and given how players across the country are feeling right now, it's just not the day to be playing cricket and we understand that," Howard said in a statement released on Wednesday morning.

"We are continuing to offer all players and match officials counselling and support at this difficult time.

"Phillip Hughes continues to receive the best possible medical care. The thoughts of his teammates and the wider cricket community are with Phillip and his family and friends at this difficult time."

Under CA's Playing Conditions, one point will be given to each team in an abandoned match.