Young Australian cricketer Sean Abbott has been offered counselling after bowling the bouncer that struck Phil Hughes and left him in critical condition in hospital.

The 25-year-old Australia international collapsed on the field at the Sydney Cricket Ground and received mouth-to-mouth resuscitation after getting hit by the ball during a Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales Blues.

Abbott was the first to come to Hughes's aid after the batsman fell face down at the crease and helped him onto a stretcher before he was taken to St Vincent's hospital for surgery.

A statement from Australia's governing body said: "No blame is attached to Abbott who was first on the scene to offer Hughes assistance. Abbott, along with all cricketers from both teams, have been offered counselling and support from Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association."

Hughes has been placed in an induced coma.