The cricketing world is rallying around bowler Sean Abbott amid fears he may never play again in the wake of batsman Phillip Hughes's death.
Abbott's ball struck Hughes in the neck during a domestic match in Australia and the 25-year-old died on Thursday.
The Australia captain Michael Clarke and Hughes's sister Megan spent time comforting a tearful Abbott, 22, at St Vincent's Hospital.
He is receiving counselling from Cricket Australia.
But former England bowler David Lawrence, who hit West Indies batsman Phil Simmons on the temple with a delivery in 1988, thinks Abbott's career could be over.
"I know what Sean is going through," Lawrence told BBC Radio 5 live.
"My thoughts go out to him. I don't think he'll play cricket again."
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The West Indies Cricket Board said today it was extremely sad to hear of the passing of young Australian batsman Philip Hughes, following an injury he suffered during a first-class match on Tuesday at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Australia.
WICB President Whycliffe “Dave” Cameron said: “It was with a sense of shock and sorrow that we learned of the death of Philip Hughes and I know that these feelings are shared by all who knew him and played with or against him.
“There is little one can say at such a time, but we would like to express our very sincere sympathy to his family, friends and all those involved with the game in Australia.
“This is truly a tragic loss of a fantastic young player who promised to deliver so much for Australia and who has already done so much in proving his pedigree as a top flight batsman on the international stage.
“To honour the memory of our fallen colleague and show solidarity with our friends in Australia, we have asked that a minute’s silence be observed prior to the start of all matches in the third round of the WICB Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day Tournament tomorrow – and that all players and match officials wear a black armband during the match.”
Phillip Hughes has died as a result of the injuries he sustained when struck by a bouncer on Tuesday, Cricket Australia has confirmed. He was 25.
Team doctor Peter Brukner confirmed the news in a statement released on Thursday afternoon.
"It is my sad duty to inform you that a short time ago Phillip Hughes passed away," Dr Brukner said. "He never regained consciousness following his injury on Tuesday. He was not in pain before he passed and was surrounded by his family and close friends.
"As a cricket community we mourn his loss and extend our deepest sympathies to Phillip's family and friends at this incredibly sad time. Cricket Australia kindly asks that the privacy of the Hughes family, players and staff be respected."
AS SHIVNARINE Chanderpaul, Leon Johnson and Assad Fudadin prepare to depart for South Africa on West Indies duties, Cricket Guyana Inc. have named their replacement for the Guyana Jaguars matchup against Barbados Pride in the West Indies Cricket Board/Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day Competition this weekend.
Chasing 155 for victory at Newlands, Lions were bundled out for 77 off 15.3 overs, to plunge to only their second defeat of the tournament.
Gayle, who has been in good form in the tournament, made just three from eight balls before falling in the second over, bowled by fast bowler Dane Paterson who finished with three for nine.
Neil McKenzie top-scored with a run-a-ball 31, while Temba Bavuma hit a run-a-ball 20, in a 34-run, third-wicket stand. Once they were separated, however, Lions lost their last seven wickets for 22 runs.
