By Aayush Pathak January 13, 2025
Sean Abbott’s week has been a mixed bag. While he missed out on Australia’s Champions Trophy squad, he earned a spot in the Test team for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour. It’s a trade-off the pace-bowling allrounder is willing to accept, especially with his dream of a baggy green getting closer.
Abbott was part of Australia’s victorious ODI World Cup squad in 2023. However, his recent performances in one-day cricket haven’t been up to the mark. In his last five matches against England and Pakistan, Abbott managed just one wicket while conceding runs at an economy rate of 7.36. It wasn’t enough to keep his place.
Speaking ahead of the Sydney Sixers’ next BBL clash, Abbott admitted his form wasn’t good enough. “I didn’t really take selection out of the selectors’ hands,” he said. “I didn’t perform and bowl as well as I would have liked in my last five games.”
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The selectors opted for Nathan Ellis as the fourth quick in the Champions Trophy squad. Abbott acknowledged the decision was fair, saying, “The guys who have been picked are in form, and I think we’ve got a great squad to compete for the Champions Trophy.”
On the flip side, Abbott is one of only three specialist quicks heading to Sri Lanka for the two-Test series. Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland are the others. Abbott’s inclusion suggests he could finally make his Test debut, especially with Australia likely to rotate their bowlers in spin-friendly conditions.
Abbott was part of the squad for the final two Tests against India but didn’t get a chance to play. Now, with conditions in Sri Lanka potentially favoring reverse swing, he feels optimistic about his chances. “Sri Lanka typically is more spin-friendly, but I feel like conditions might suit me more than others,” he said. “Being one of only three quicks going over, I suppose I feel a little bit closer.”
Before heading to Sri Lanka, Abbott will play a key role in the Sydney Sixers’ remaining BBL matches. The Sixers are assured of a spot in the finals, but hosting rights for the Qualifier are still at stake. Abbott and his teammates are focused on winning their remaining games against Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Thunder.
Steven Smith will be available for both matches, fresh off his stunning 121 not out against the Perth Scorchers. Abbott also played a crucial part in that game, taking 4 for 43. However, he wasn’t entirely satisfied with his performance, especially after a final over that went for 20 runs.
“I had six more balls there at the end to bowl and didn’t really bowl anywhere near as good as I should have,” he said. “Pretty disappointing with the way that over went and how close it ended up getting.”
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