'Stay strong': Cricket greats offer support to shattered NSW bowler who put Phillip Hughes in hospital

Amidst the worldwide support for Phillip Hughes, some of cricket’s biggest names have implored people to not forget about Sean Abbott, the NSW bowler who delivered the bouncer that left the batsman in a critical condition.

Former Test fast-bowler and a close friend of Hughes, Brett Lee spoke of his shock at hearing about the South Australian batsman’s condition.

“You just don’t think these things will happen in cricket,” he told Nine News.

“You know you’re always on edge bowling fast or being out there batting but when you see something as shocking as this you really feel for Phil.”

Lee said he felt sorry for Abbott, who is also a friend of Hughes having been a former teammate of the 25-year-old who began his first-class career in NSW.

“He (Abbott) is struggling according to all reports, he’ll be going through a really tough time now.”

“I know first-hand that no one goes out there to try and maim a batsman, no one tries to hurt a batsman.”

Former greats Adam Gilchrist and Dean Jones also tweeted messages of support for both Hughes and Abbott.

Lee said that Hughes was a much-loved teammate since bursting onto the Test scene in 2009.

“A guy from the country, a banana farmer, a terrific guy, a beautiful family,” he said.