Abbott back, takes 6/14

Sydney, December 12

Sean Abbott, who delivered the ball that struck the fatal blow to Phillip Hughes’ head, proved he was back in the groove on Friday with a stunning 6-14 as New South Wales demolished Queensland. There had been fears the 22-year-old fast bowler may have been too traumatised to play again after Hughes died from being hit by one of his rising balls at the Sydney Cricket Ground last month. But he opted to play in the Sheffield Shield clash at the same venue, and showed mental resolve as he turned it into a one-man show.

Abbott tore through the Queensland batting order to claim 6-14 in a seven-over spell to help dismiss the Bulls for 99 in pursuit of 179 in their second innings. He was on a hat-trick at one point, but narrowly missed out as he produced lively pace and reverse swing, finishing with eight wickets for the match.

Abbott received a standing ovation as he left the ground and New South Wales coach Trevor Bayliss said the entire team was delighted for him. “To do what he did today really showed the character that he has got,” he told ABC radio. — PTI