Sean Abbott being provided counselling after bowling bouncer that injured Phil Hughes

Sean Abbott in action for Australia

While injuries are common in professional sports, not always do they allow concerned individuals to move on too easily. While the entire cricketing world is concerned with Phil Hughes, who was hit by a Sean Abbott bouncer in the Sheffield Shield match involving South Australia and New South Wales on Tuesday, the bowler will also have been affected by the incident.

CA counselling players

It is learnt that Cricket Australia have rightly called in their support staff to counsel all players from both sides that witnessed the unfortunate incident. Hughes was batting on 63, and well on his way to a big score in the four-day game, when he misjudged a bouncer and was severely injured, falling unconscious in a matter of seconds.

Hughes, a former New South Wales teammate of Abbott, was quickly transported off the field and then to the hospital. The 22-year-old right-arm seamer, who has been hailed as a future star, has been receiving support in the form of tweets and counselling from former players, well-wishers and support staff.

Notably, the bowler was the first to rush towards Hughes soon after witnessing the blow. While Hughes is receiving medical treatment, Abbott’s welfare should not be neglected. The Australian board have sent in three members of their supported staff to counsel the concerned players.

ACA express shock

Australian Cricketers’ Association chief executive Alastair Nicholson, Wellbeing manager Ben Smith, and former SA captain and now ACA operations manager Graham Manou were flown in immediately from Melbourne.

“We were obviously shocked to learn of the seriousness of the incident involving Phil,” said Nicholson.

“While we have faith that he’s receiving the best available treatment, the situation will impact his family, friends, and those directly involved on the field. The ACA is therefore working closely with CA to arrange the appropriate counselling for those affected.”

The batsman underwent a surgery and is now in ICU, with results of the surgery still unknown.

And stay strong Sean Abbott. #support

— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) November 25, 2014

Thoughts are with Sean Abbott as well.

— Nathan Bracken (@NBRACKEN142) November 25, 2014

Feeling for Phil Hughes after being hit. He is not in a good way! Stay strong @seanabbott77 .. Not your fault young man. #BupaSS #NSWvSA

— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) November 25, 2014

Thoughts also go out to a great young kid @seanabbott77 Stay strong mate! #CricketFamily

— Marcus North (@Marcus_North) November 25, 2014

Our thoughts are also with Sean Abbott.

— Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11) November 25, 2014