THE death of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes has stunned and saddened the sporting world.

But it has also brought back some harrowing memories for the Southend-born Alan Mullally.

Hughes died when a bouncer from Sean Abbott hit him on the back of the neck.

And the tragic incident immediately took Mullally back to 1987 when one of his deliveries almost cost Jason Constable his life after it struck him on the head during a Western Australia club match.

“I must have bowled thousands of deliveries in training and in matches during the years, but that one delivery is probably one of the ones I remember the most,” recalled Mullally, who went on to play 19 Test matches for England.

“I remember the field, the weather, the way the ball moved and the awful noise it made when it hit Jason’s head.

“It sounded just like a bullet hitting and he should really have died when he collapsed at home later that evening.

“The only reason he didn’t was because his father was a medical expert and was able to come to his rescue.

“But there was an awful spell when we didn’t know whether or not he was going to survive.

“I couldn’t sleep for months, I was devastated about what had happened and I kept on crying all the time.

“It was just a nightmare, but luckily enough Jason was able to survive.

“What’s happened to Phillip Hughes is so very sad and you just don’t expect something like that to happen.”

Hughes’ funeral will take place in Australia today and his former team-mates have been quick to rally round Abbott, who delivered the bouncer which ultimately cost the left hander his life.

But Mullally, who signed for Southend & EMT last season, has urged Abbott not to end his career.

And he believes he will have the backing of everyone around him.

“Everyone is 100 million per cent behind Sean and I would absolutely hate it if he was to stop playing,” said Mullally.

“He obviously needs to grieve and that takes time.

“But when he’s ready I know he will get a standing ovation when he’s on the run up for his first delivery back.

“What’s happened is a freak accident and he certainly didn’t bowl that ball trying to hurt Phillip.

“You bowl bouncers to keep people on their toes or to get an edge but you don’t ever do it to try to cause harm.

“You wouldn’t be human if something like this didn’t affect you though and it certainly knocks your confidence.

“When you have a car crash you’re not the same when you first get back behind the wheel and that’s how I felt when I started to play cricket again.

“But in a way getting back out there made it easier for me and, although I know it will take time, I would urge Sean to do the same when he feels ready.”

However, despite that strong stance, Mullally will never forget the delivery he bowled when playing for South Perth at Richardson Park.

And he still feels saddened to have virtually ended Constable’s career.

“I was devastated to have ended Jason’s hopes of a good cricketing career,” said Mullally, 45.

“He was a very promising player and big things were expected from him.

“But after what happened, he always had to wear a special cap, even when he was bowling or fielding, to protect his temple.

“I never had any counselling about it. My team-mate just put his arm round me and said “well bowled” and I had a few cups of tea while crying to my mum and dad at about 3am in the morning.

“I hope Sean gets plenty of help because he will need it. I really hope he doesn’t get any of the less intellectual comments I received on nights out after a few drinks either.

“I understand about 90 per cent of what Sean is going through but time is certainly a healer.

“And I really hope he goes on to play a Test match for Australia.”