The cricketer whose delivery led to the death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes will need support as he comes to terms with what has happened, according to BBC commentator and former Middlesex bowler Simon Hughes.
Sean Abbott sent down the bouncer that hit the back of Hughes' head, knocking him unconscious. The batsman, who was 25 years old, was taken to hospital and died two days later.
Hughes told the BBC that Abbott will "need a lot of counselling" and a break from the game.
"I've hit people before, obviously not with those terminal circumstances," Hughes said. "It's a terrible feeling when you injure anyone in sport, even though you are trying to intimidate them.
"I don't know how he's going to cope with it because it never happened before, certainly in professional cricket, where a bouncer has actually effectively killed a batsman. He's going to need a lot of counselling."
Meanwhile, support has flooded in for Hughes family. The Archbishop of Sydney, Most Rev Anthony Fisher, said in a Twitter message: "My prayers and deepest condolences to the family & friends of Phillip Hughes and the cricket community on his passing. May he rest in peace."
James Sutherland, the Cricket Australia CEO, said: "The word tragedy gets used far too often in sport but this freak accident is now a real-life tragedy. Just shy of his 26th birthday, Phillip has been taken from us far too young. It's an understatement to say that we are completely devastated.
"Our grief runs deep and the impact of Phillip's loss is enormous but nothing compares to the loss felt by those closest to him. Phillip was a cherished son, brother, friend and team-mate. In these darkest of hours cricket puts its collective arms around the Hughes family."
Hughes played for New South Wales, but had also played in England for Worcestershire, Middlesex and Hampshire. Worcester tweeted: "Devastated to hear the news that Phil Hughes has passed away. All our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."
Christians in Sport communications manager Elizabeth Hunt told Christian Today: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Philip Hughes' family, Sean Abbott and the whole cricket community at this devastating time. Accidents like this remind us just how fragile live really is.
"The strength of the cricket family is more important than ever on this incredibly sad day and it's been humbling to see so many players and coaches from across the world rallying around Sean Abbott with such compassion. The Australian sports chaplaincy network will no doubt play a vital role in providing the pastoral support the players and management team will need going forward."
