SEE ALSO: Michael Clarke Wins Praise For Incredibly Brave Statement About 'Little Brother' Phil Hughes
Amid devastation over the death of Australian cricketer Phil Hughes, the sporting world is rallying around the player who delivered the ball which fatally struck him.
Sean Abbott, 22, was pictured looking distraught outside the hospital after it was announced Hughes had passed away two days after the accident.
Pace bowler Abbott bowled the bouncer which hit Hughes on the back, lower left side of the head during a match at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday.
Sean Abbott pictured outside the hospital where cricketer Phil Hughes died
Former England great and Strictly Come Dancing winner Darren Gough said: “Poor family are going through, his friends, his teammates and the bowler Sean Abbott. Stay strong people.”
BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew pointed out: “That ball could have been bowled at any time in any game. Tragic that it should end like this for the Hughes family, and for Sean Abbott.”
Sir Ian Botham, former England captain tweeted condolences to Hughes’ family, adding: “Spare a thought for Sean Abbott.”
Phil Hughes died two days after being struck by the ball
Support for Sean Abbott
(01 of08)
(02 of08)
(03 of08)
(04 of08)
(05 of08)
(06 of08)
(07 of08)
(08 of08)
Abbott wept after it was announced Hughes had passed away
Sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher said: “So sad to hear of cricketer Philip Hughes’ passing, tragic. Such a difficult time too for Sean Abbot – who’s delivery struck him.”
Kevin Pietersen said: “Sean Abbott – thinking of you too, mate!”
Hughes, 25, died after injuries suffered while batting for South Australia against New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday.
Sean Abbott and team mates react after the death of Phil Hughes
Phil Hughes Dies Due To Cricket Injuries(01 of20)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 27: Sean Abbot walks out of St Vincent's Hospital on November 27, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Cricket player Phil Hughes has died at the age of 25 due to severe head injuries sustained by a bouncer delivery. Hughes was struck by a bouncer delivery during the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and South Australia at the SCG on Tuesday. He was taken to St Vincent's Hospital in a critical condition. (Photo by Joosep Martinson/Getty Images) (credit:Joosep Martinson via Getty Images)
CRICKET-AUS-HUGHES(02 of20)
Australian bowler Sean Abbott (R) leaves St Vincent's Hospital following the death of fellow Australian batsman Phillips Hughes in Sydney on November 27, 2014. Hughes died on November 27, 2014 from the injuries sustained when he was hit by a bouncer from Abbot in a domestic game this week, Cricket Australia said. AFP PHOTO/William WEST (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:WILLIAM WEST via Getty Images)
Phil Hughes Taken To Hospital Due To Cricket Injuries(03 of20)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 27: Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle and James Pattinson arrive at St Vincent's Hospital on November 27, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. South Australian cricket player Phil Hughes was struck by a bouncer delivery during the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and South Australia at the SCG. He was taken to St Vincent's Hospital in a critical condition. (Photo by Joosep Martinson/Getty Images) (credit:Joosep Martinson via Getty Images)
CRICKET-AUS-HUGHES(04 of20)
Australian bowler Sean Abbott (R) leaves St Vincent's Hospital following the death of fellow Australian batsman Phillips Hughes in Sydney on November 27, 2014. Hughes died on November 27, 2014 from the injuries sustained when he was hit by a bouncer from Abbot in a domestic game this week, Cricket Australia said. AFP PHOTO/William WEST (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:WILLIAM WEST via Getty Images)
(05 of20)
Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke (R) arrives with his wife Kyly Clarke (L) to read a statement at St Vincent's Hospital following the death of fellow Australian batsman Phillips Hughes in Sydney on November 27, 2014. Hughes died on November 27, 2014 from the injuries sustained when he was hit by a bouncer from Abbot in a domestic game this week, Cricket Australia said. AFP PHOTO/William WEST (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:WILLIAM WEST via Getty Images)
(06 of20)
Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke reacts during a press conference in Sydney on November 27, 2014 following the announcement of the death of Australian cricketer Philip Hughes. Australian batsman Phillip Hughes died on November 27 from a head injury after a sickening on-field blow in one of the highest-profile sporting fatalities since the death of Formula One great Ayrton Senna.AFP PHOTO / WILLIAM WEST (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:WILLIAM WEST via Getty Images)
Phil Hughes Dies Due To Cricket Injuries(07 of20)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 27: Cricketer Dave Warner and his partner Candice Falzon and and Matthew Wade and his partner leave St Vincent's Hospital on November 27, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Cricket player Phil Hughes has died at the age of 25 due to severe head injuries sustained by a bouncer delivery. Hughes was struck by a bouncer delivery during the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and South Australia at the SCG on Tuesday. He was taken to St Vincent's Hospital in a critical condition. (Photo by Joosep Martinson/Getty Images) (credit:Joosep Martinson via Getty Images)
Phil Hughes Taken To Hospital Due To Cricket Injuries(08 of20)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 27: (EDITORS NOTE: Re-crop of image 459623756) Brad Haddin and Aaron Finch arrive at St Vincent's Hospital on November 27, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. South Australian cricket player Phil Hughes was struck by a bouncer delivery during the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and South Australia at the SCG on Monday. He was taken to St Vincent's Hospital in a critical condition. (Photo by Joosep Martinson/Getty Images) (credit:Joosep Martinson via Getty Images)
Phil Hughes Dies Due To Cricket Injuries(09 of20)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 27: David Warner and Candice Falzon walk out at St Vincent's Hospital on November 27, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Cricket player Phil Hughes has died at the age of 25 due to severe head injuries sustained by a bouncer delivery. Hughes was struck by a bouncer delivery during the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and South Australia at the SCG on Tuesday. He was taken to St Vincent's Hospital in a critical condition. (Photo by Joosep Martinson/Getty Images) (credit:Joosep Martinson via Getty Images)
CRICKET-AUS-HUGHES-DEAD(10 of20)
The parents of Australian cricket batsman Phil Hughes, father Greg (C) and mother Virginia (2nd R) with other family members leave St. Vincents Hospital in Sydney on November 27, 2014. Hughes died on November 27 from a head injury after a sickening on-field blow in one of the highest-profile sporting fatalities since the death of Formula One great Ayrton Senna. AFP PHOTO / Saeed KHAN (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:SAEED KHAN via Getty Images)
Phil Hughes Dies Due To Cricket Injuries(11 of20)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 27: (L) David Warner and Candice Falzon walk out at St Vincent's Hospital on November 27, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Cricket player Phil Hughes has died at the age of 25 due to severe head injuries sustained by a bouncer delivery. Hughes was struck by a bouncer delivery during the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and South Australia at the SCG on Tuesday. He was taken to St Vincent's Hospital in a critical condition. (Photo by Joosep Martinson/Getty Images) (credit:Joosep Martinson via Getty Images)
Phil Hughes Dies Due To Cricket Injuries(12 of20)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 27: Steve Smith consoles Simon Katich at St Vincent's Hospital on November 27, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Cricket player Phil Hughes has died at the age of 25 due to severe head injuries sustained by a bouncer delivery. Hughes was struck by a bouncer delivery during the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and South Australia at the SCG on Tuesday. He was taken to St Vincent's Hospital in a critical condition. (Photo by Joosep Martinson/Getty Images) (credit:Joosep Martinson via Getty Images)
Phil Hughes Taken To Hospital Due To Cricket Injuries(13 of20)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 27: Ricky Ponting and Peter Siddle arrive at St Vincent's Hospital on November 27, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. South Australian cricket player Phil Hughes was struck by a bouncer delivery during the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and South Australia at the SCG. He was taken to St Vincent's Hospital in a critical condition. (Photo by Joosep Martinson/Getty Images) (credit:Joosep Martinson via Getty Images)
Phil Hughes Dies Due To Cricket Injuries(14 of20)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 27: A general view of the press conference at St Vincent's Hospital on November 27, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Cricket player Phil Hughes has died at the age of 25 due to severe head injuries sustained by a bouncer delivery. Hughes was struck by a bouncer delivery during the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and South Australia at the SCG on Tuesday. He was taken to St Vincent's Hospital in a critical condition. (Photo by Joosep Martinson/Getty Images) (credit:Joosep Martinson via Getty Images)
(15 of20)
Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke prepares to read a statement at St Vincent's Hospital following the death of fellow Australian batsman Phillips Hughes in Sydney on November 27, 2014. Hughes died on November 27, 2014 from the injuries sustained when he was hit by a bouncer from Abbot in a domestic game this week, Cricket Australia said. AFP PHOTO/William WEST (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:WILLIAM WEST via Getty Images)
(16 of20)
Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke (L) prepares to read a statement as Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland (R) looks on at St Vincent's Hospital following the death of fellow Australian batsman Phillips Hughes in Sydney on November 27, 2014. Hughes died on November 27, 2014 from the injuries sustained when he was hit by a bouncer from Abbot in a domestic game this week, Cricket Australia said. AFP PHOTO/William WEST (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:WILLIAM WEST via Getty Images)
QLD v NSW - Sheffield Shield: Day 3(17 of20)
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 18: Sean Abbott of the Blues celebrates after dismissing Nathan Reardon of the Bulls is dismissed during day three of the Sheffield Shield match between Queensland Bulls and New South Wales Blues at The Gabba on November 18, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde - CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Hyde - CA via Getty Images)
QLD v NSW - Sheffield Shield: Day 2(18 of20)
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 17: Sean Abbott of the Blues bats during day two of the Sheffield Shield match between Queensland Bulls and New South Wales Blues at The Gabba on November 17, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde - CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Hyde - CA via Getty Images)
QLD v NSW - Sheffield Shield: Day 1(19 of20)
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 16: Sean Abbott of the Blues reacts during day one of the Sheffield Shield match between the Queensland Bulls and New South Wales Blues at The Gabba on November 16, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde - CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Hyde - CA via Getty Images)
QLD v NSW - Sheffield Shield: Day 3(20 of20)
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 18: Sean Abbott of the Blues celebrates after Joe Burns of the Bulls is dismissed during day three of the Sheffield Shield match between Queensland Bulls and New South Wales Blues at The Gabba on November 18, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde - CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Hyde - CA via Getty Images)