Sydney, 22 December (H.S.): Sydney Sixers veteran fast bowler Sean Abbott provided a significant update on his hamstring injury recovery, expressing optimism about featuring in the Big Bash League (BBL) on Boxing Day after six frustrating weeks sidelined.
The 33-year-old sustained the injury in early November during a Sheffield Shield match, ruling him out of the Ashes series opener despite initial selection in the Australian squad. Prior to the setback, Abbott had claimed five wickets for New South Wales against Victoria on the same day Josh Hazlewood suffered a similar hamstring blow that ended his Ashes campaign.
Teammates Hail 'Massive Boost' Ahead of Stars ClashAbbott completed rehabilitation alongside Hazlewood at the SCG and Cricket New South Wales' Silverwater training base. Speaking to Fox Cricket after the Sixers' 47-run victory over Sydney Thunder in the 'Sydney Smash'—their first win after two opening defeats—Abbott stated, I just need to tick a few small boxes, and hopefully I'll be available for selection next week. It's been a pretty frustrating time, but that's elite-level sport.
Hopefully, I'll be out there next week and perform well.Young allrounder Jack Edwards described Abbott's anticipated return as massive for the Sixers, praising his expertise across bowling, batting, and fielding. The team's next fixture pits them against Melbourne Stars at the SCG on Boxing Day.
Abbott holds the record as BBL's highest wicket-taking male bowler with 175 scalps. His resurgence promises not only to bolster the Sixers but also strengthen his case for Australia's T20 World Cup squad next year in India and Sri Lanka.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
