The Herald joins our readers and the broader community in hoping desperately for Hughes to recover from the blow he sustained on Tuesday. It is a deeply distressing incident on so many levels.

On Tuesday afternoon, when the photographs came to light, it concerned senior editors, including me, that the image - where Hughes is surrounded by worried former teammates clearly affected by his condition - showed the batsman at his most vulnerable moment.

However, as traumatic as this moment is, it was felt that the compassion and humanity on display, combined with the image's poignancy, demanded it be published.

Still images evoke strong reactions; that is their enduring power in a world awash with video.

Often, those images display scenes we all wish had never happened, such as Hughes' tragic felling. But the deeply moving reaction of the other players, and the umpire - and how their reactions speak to us more broadly about the positive aspects of the human condition at times of utmost grief - merited the image's publication. I understand and respect the views of our readers and audience who feel we have transgressed by publishing this image.

Balancing what is in the public interest, against intruding on the personal space of individuals - be they regular citizens, sporting identities, politicians or celebrities - is a responsibility all in the Herald newsroom take seriously.

The Herald repeats its hope that Hughes makes a full recovery, and our thoughts are with his family and friends. We also feel deeply for Abbott and all players, spectators and officials who witnessed the shocking turn of events.

Darren Goodsir is the editor-in-chief of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Sun-Herald