Cricketers show support for bowler Sean Abbott following Phil Hughes death

A collection on cricketers have given their backing to Sean Abbott, the man who bowled the ball that killed Phil Hughes.

The New South Wales seamer struck Hughes with a bouncer during their Sheffield Shield clash on Tuesday.

Batsman Hughes collapsed to the floor after being hit, never regaining consciousness.

Australia legend Adam Gilchrist tweeted: "May those footprints in the sand now support another young man in need. #SeanAbbott"

All players involved in the Sheffield Shield match have been offered counselling, with Abbott being given considerable help.

Australian Cricketers Association CEO Alistair Nicholson said: "[Abbott] has got a lot of support around him from his team-mates and also the counselling services.

"He's someone who we're monitoring closely and we know he's got a lot of support around him."

The 22-year-old has recently earned his first full international honours after being selected by Australia for a one-day international and Twenty20 game.

Former England bowler Peter Lever, who hit Ewen Chatfield in the head in 1975, fracturing the New Zealander's skull, said prior to Hughes' death on BBC FiveLive: "He [Abbott] won't sleep, it will be thinking about it every waking minute. Sean Abbott will not be thinking of anyone else expect for the man he has hit."