SYDNEY (AP) – Phillip Hughes’ sister has joined in an outpouring of support for young fast bowler Sean Abbott, who unleashed the delivery which felled the Australian cricket star three days ago.
Former Test fast bowler Jason Gillespie told Australia’s Fox Sports today the 22-year-old Abbott was “absolutely shaken and broken at the moment” as he dealt with the tragic accident which ended Hughes’ life.
His fateful bouncer was the kind of short-pitch delivery that gets bowled dozens of times in every senior match, usually without any problems.
Abbott visited the Sydney hospital where Hughes died yesterday and was comforted by Australia captain Michael Clarke and Hughes’ sister, Megan.
Cricket Australia today pledged continuing support for Abbott as cricketers around the world offered sympathy and encouragement for the young paceman.
“I had a chat to him last night and I was incredibly impressed by the way he was holding himself and his maturity,” Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said today. “But the point is this not a moment-in-time thing. This is a grieving process that will affect people in different ways. What we will do and the relevant experts will do is provide Sean with the support he needs.”
The Australian Cricket Players’ Association (ACA) said Abbott was being counselled and closely monitored.
“He has got a lot of support around him from his teammates and also the counselling services,” ACA chief executive Alistair Nicholson said. “He’s someone who we’re monitoring closely and we know he’s got a lot of support around him.”
Australia team doctor Peter Brukner said Clarke had spent a significant amount of time with Abbott at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital yesterday.
“Phillip’s sister, Megan, also came and spent significant time with Sean,” Brukner said. “Obviously what Sean has gone through is an incredibly traumatic experience, as it has been for everyone present on the field that day.”
