Former Kent overseas star Doug Bollinger has been offered counselling after witnessing Australian batsman Phil Hughes suffer a serious head injury.

The New South Wales paceman, 33, who played for Kent between April and August before returning Down Under, had been taken out of the attack three overs before South Australia skipper Hughes, 25, was struck on the back of the head by a bouncer from Sean Abbott at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday.

The blow, suffered despite the batsman wearing a helmet, led to the former Test star being rushed to a nearby hospital and undergoing emergency surgery.

Australian media report that Bollinger has been a constant support to 22-year-old all-rounder Abbott since the incident during a Sheffield Shield match which was later abandoned.

In the aftermath Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association revealed they would work together to arrange support for the players who witnessed Hughes' collapse, which was followed by him receiving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on the square.

Cricket Australia's James Sutherland revealed every affected player would receive the 'utmost support' while ACA chief executive Alastair Nicholson said: "We were obviously shocked to learn of the seriousness of the incident involving Phil.

"While we have faith that he's receiving the best available treatment, the situation will impact his family, friends and those directly involved on the field.

"The ACA is therefore working closely with CA to arrange the appropriate counselling for those affected."