Sixer Abbott showcases all-round mettle

Rob Forsaith |

Sean Abbott’s bowling remains the key to hopes of a Test call-up, but his allrounder status has been enhanced with a pair of clutch match-winning knocks this BBL season.

Abbott, a member of Australia’s Test squad a year ago, was part of the Ashes bootcamp in November on the Gold Coast.

The Sydney Sixers star was slated to play a tour match between Australia A and England’s second XI in Brisbane, but skipped that game to ensure he was home in time for the birth of daughter Ella.

Michael Neser and Scott Boland have since made remarkable Test debuts in the Ashes, while Jhye Richardson was also recalled for the day-night Test in Adelaide.

Abbott, who has dominated with bat and ball for the Sixers, is chuffed fellow pacemen Neser and Boland have been rewarded with baggy greens this summer.

“Scotty Boland on day three, that was unbelievable. We missed it because we were training,” Abbott told AAP.

“The best part for me was to see him out on the MCG pitch with his family after winning the Ashes, that’s what cricket is all about.

“He’s an absolutely outstanding fellow.

“That was pretty special, I’m stoked for all the lads.”

Abbott is this BBL season’s leading wicket-taker, having also recently taken top spot on the league’s list of all-time leading wicket-takers.

But the 29-year-old, promoted to No.7 in the Sixers’ deep batting order after injured Englishman Tom Curran returned home because of injury, has also excelled with the bat.

Abbott has batted twice this season, producing unbeaten knocks of 37 and 19 to deliver victory on both occasions.

Wednesday night’s man-of-the-match performance also included four wickets, one run-out and two catches (one of which is a contender for the best catch of the summer).

“We’ve got such a strong batting order,” Abbott said.

“So I can’t really be asking the skipper or Shippy (coach Greg Shipperd) to bat higher. Because the guys in front of me are bloody cricketers who do the job and win games – year in, year out.

“It’s nice to get an opportunity to bat a spot higher.

“I’ve just tried to put myself in a position where I can help us win a game … that’s what you want as a cricketer, whether it’s bat, ball or in the field.”

Abbott, who has snagged 12 wickets at 11.66 this season, added his bowling needs to improve.

“I’m bowling a few too many boundary balls,” he said.

The Sixers, hunting a third straight title, next face Melbourne Renegades in Coffs Harbour on New Year’s Day.

AAP