There have been fears for the mental health of the 22-year-old NSW paceman whose bouncer struck Hughes in the neck, resulting in his death.

“This is a grieving process that will affect people in different ways,” Sutherland said.

“We and the experts will provide Sean with the support he needs.”

Abbott visited Hughes at St Vincent’s Hospital in the two days before of the former Test opener died.

He was also one of 200 players, friends and officials at the SCG to celebrate Hughes’ life on Thursday night.

Former Test fast bowler player Stuart Clark said the quiet Abbott appeared to be OK at the function.

“It will be the hardest for him when it’s quiet,” he said.

“When he’s sitting at home at night before he goes to bed — that’s, I think, when the thoughts will start recurring.”

Fellow Test veteran Jason Gillespie said Abbott was “absolutely shaken and broken”.

Former Australian captain Mark Taylor said while Abbott had “no questions to answer” he’d be feeling some guilt and probably would be for a long time.

“I really hope Sean can get over it and we one day see Sean back playing for NSW and maybe Australia,” he said.