Brian Booth tells Sean Abbott to focus on his future rather than get caught up in grief after his role in Phillip Hughes" injury Sean Abbott of New South Wales looks on during day one of the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and South Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground on November 25, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. FORMER Test captain Brian Booth has praised the character of Sean Abbott and encouraged the grief-stricken NSW all-rounder not to lose sight of the future. The tragic incident involving Phillip Hughes has rocked the cricket world, but for Abbott, the young man who delivered the bouncer but never meant harm, there is particular concern being shown for his welfare. Booth and Abbott have met only once - at the NSW Blues awards ceremony earlier this year where the boom talent from Baulkham Hills was named Steve Waugh medal winner. But they made an instant impression on each other. It was Abbott's conversation with Booth about the importance of sportsmanship in cricket that had the most lasting impression on the 22-year-old, even though receiving NSW's highest honour catapulted him to his international Twenty20 and one-day debuts for Australia. Abbott admitted he had a tendency to lose his cool on the field as a youngster, and was determined to take after a role model like Booth, who through the 1960s carved out a reputation as a gentleman of the game. Booth was impressed by Abbott's aptitude and ability, and concerned for his welfare, encouraged another budding young gentleman of the game who is said to be struggling deeply to remain strong. Former former Aussie captain Brian Booth. Everyone speaks well of Sean. His attitude and aptitude of playing the game of cricket and his sportsmanship and so on," said Booth. The incident on Tuesday is just one of those unfortunate things that happen in a game of cricket and it affects everybody. It's a sad situation to happen. There's always a risk when you're playing a game with a hard ball. I've only ever heard good things about Sean and I was very impressed with him as a young man and a young cricketer. He was first on the scene to render whatever aid he could (to Hughes). He's got a lot of cricket ahead of him and he's really only just starting off. I think everybody would wish him well. Booth said he was praying for Hughes, Abbott and all the other players involved on the day. Abbott's family have also rallied together, Sean particularly close to brother Ben. NSW board member Greg Monaghan - President of the Abbott's junior club Parramatta - has known Sean since he was an 11-year-old kid. Monaghan praised Abbott for the way he's matured over the past couple of years and believes he has the strength of character to get through this major trial. He's a great young man. He's really matured as a person and as a cricketer I think," he said. He's a very good, strong character. Sean and his brother made their names playing at Parramatta in our competitions and our grade clubs and all the boys and officials at Parramatta think the world of Sean and his family and we're doing everything we can to respect their privacy and at the same time support them because they really are a quality group of people and a wonderful family. Sean Abbott bowling during a One Day International cricket match against Pakistan in Sharjah. Like Booth, Monaghan was particularly impressed with the way Abbott handled the shocking situation. The bowler was by Hughes" side the instant he collapsed, cradling his head for support and calling for medical attention. After winning the Steve Waugh medal, Abbott said: "I was just a bit loud on the field, getting a bit angry. I'd bowl a half-volley at the end of my over and I'd be yelling at myself and it's not a really good look. There's no need for it really. To talk to someone like (Booth) was so humble on the field was really good for me being such a young guy. Hopefully I'll continue to take what Brian said to me that night into my career going forward. But according to those who know him best and the wider cricket community, Sean Abbott has nothing to worry about. His sportsmanship and attitude could not be questioned. In the most trying of circumstances, Abbott's spirit came to the fore. Originally published as Test great: "Everyone wishes Abbott well"