Sean Abbott returns to training one week after freak accident that claimed the life of Phillip Hughes

Cricketer Sean Abbott has returned to training for the first time since the freak accident that claimed the life of Phillip Hughes.

The talented all-rounder returned to the SCG yesterday with his NSW teammates for an optional net session, one week since Hughes was felled at the crease.

It was Abbott, 22, who delivered the seemingly innocuous ball that struck Hughes in the head.

Amidst the grieving for the fallen batsman, the cricket community rallied around Abbott, who was a teammate of Hughes before he joined South Australia.

The pair also toured the United Arab Emirates together in October with the Australian limited overs squads, with Abbott making his one day international and T20 debuts.

As news broke of Hughes’ death, Cricket Austalia CEO James Sutherland praised the bowler for how he had handled himself in the wake of the tragedy.

Cricket officials have also stressed Abbott is just one of a number of grieving players, with Hughes’ international teammates Nathan Lyon, David Warner, Shane Watson and Brad Haddin on the field when the accident occurred.

"I think it's been fantastic the way people have shown concern for Sean," Mr Sutherland said last week.

"Sean's holding up really well.

“I had a chat with him last night and I was incredibly impressed by the way he was holding himself and his maturity.”

Abbott spent time with Aussie skipper Michael Clarke and Hughes’ sister Megan in hospital last week and will be among hundreds of cricketers past and present at a memorial service in Macksville today.