I Had To Fight Back Tears There For A Minute: Sean Abbott On His Test Team Selection For India Series

Australian paceman Sean Abbott is one of the five specialist pace bowlers to make it to the 17-man Test squad for the four-match Test series against India. Sean Abbott, who has featured in 57 first-class matches so far, has played only five international games, four of which are T20 internationals. After seeing his name in the party to face India, Abbott recalled struggling to contain his tears.

Sean Abbott is currently the third-highest wicket-taker in Sheffield Shield 2020, picking up 14 wickets in three matches at 17.92 with a solitary five-wicket haul. The New South Wales speedster has also fared outstandingly well with the bat, hammering 261 runs from three fixtures at 130.50 with a hundred and two half-centuries. Nevertheless, he is unlikely to get a Baggy Green against India since Australia’s pace bowling unit looks settled for now with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins.

Sean Abbott revealed needing to fight back his tears for a moment and is glad to fill any requirement that comes up or take an opportunity with both the hands. The 28-year old sees himself as primarily as a bowler; however, if Test captain Tim Paine allows him to bat higher up the order, he would not hesitate. Abbott promises to do the best he could across facets.

“I had to fight back tears there for a minute. I’d be happy to put my hand up for any spot that would come up. I’d take that opportunity with both hands. I probably see myself as more of a bowling opportunity as someone who can bat. But if there’s that opportunity to bat higher up the order and the selectors and (Tim Paine) think I can do that job, then I’m not even going to think twice when I’m walking out there. I’ll bat as a batsman and do whatever job is in front of me,” Abbott stated as quoted by Fox Sports.

“I’m not too concerned that they’d be missing me too much” : Sean Abbott

With the Big Bash League clashing with the Australian international summer, many top-notch players will miss the T20 tournament. Sean Abbott, who is part of Sydney Sixers and the second-highest wicket-taker in BBL history, prefers to be nearby in playing for the country and understands that considering the settled bowling group in Tests, he might not find a place immediately. Abbott added that the defending champions have great depth to miss him.

“I’d certainly prefer to be in the place where I’m closer to hopefully playing for my country. That could mean I’m playing a little bit less cricket considering the form that the Test squad is in at the moment, especially the bowling group. We’ve got some great depth at the Sixers, and I’m not too concerned that they’d be missing me too much,” he added.

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