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Sean Abbott’s efforts to make a comeback to the Australian squad should be applauded, and the best way to recognise his journey is through a Test cap.
Abbott has had to come back from the darkest moment in his cricketing career, having bowled that fatal ball that accidentally killed Phil Hughes.
It took his ages to get back to the game he loves, but once he did, it was great to see. Now he’s making runs and taking wickets, and it’s time to give him a Test cap.
Abbott has proven himself in the past month of Sheffield Shield cricket by making a hundred and averaging 47 in 20 of his first-class innings. That includes five 50s and the ton he made last week.
Further, he’s improved his batting, pointing out to the Cricket Australia website just how far he’s come on that front
“I certainly didn’t think I’d be batting at No. 7 when (a few years ago) I was going out as nightwatchman and doing Nathan Lyon’s job,” he said. “And not very well, I might add.
“It just sort of happened; I worked on my batting, I got better, I got some opportunities back up the order and scored some runs.
“I’m pretty fortunate that it worked out that way … they saw the way I was batting at training and they backed me in and believed in my ability to go back up the order.”
Moreover, his bowling has improved as well, having taken 16 wickets, including six wickets against Western Australia on a road, which reaffirms he can bowl on a flat wicket. If he can do that on a road, he’s a big chance to take Test wickets if the pitch has some grass on it.
Furthermore, he deserves selection because of the fact Cameron Green has not been able to bowl thanks to stress fractures. With Australia looking for an all-rounder, Abbott has proved with the bat that he could be the right pick.
Lastly, Abbott is 28 years old and in his prime. He’s ready to make it. So why not?
Give him a run, I say! If it works out, Australia might have found the next fast bowler who can also bat. If he flops, Cricket Australia still have Green up their sleeve – my concern with Green is that he needs to get back to bowling, because if you are underdone, you going to struggle no matter the age group or level.
So on balance Abbott is the right selection because of what he has done in the last month. He’s also fresh and ready to go. The selectors should give him a chance.
What are your thoughts, cricket fans? Am I wrong? Should it be Green to fill the all-rounder spot? Leave your comments below.
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