The Sixers Sean Abbott is back to full fitness following a broken ankle while playing in August’s Quadrangular A Series and is raring to go for the Big Bash League.
Abbott was the captain of National Performance Squad when he was struck on the ankle by the ball while bowling the final ball of a match against Australia A.
16 weeks later and Abbott is back to full fitness ahead of the Big Bash League and took part in all three of the Sixers practice matches last week.
“It’s not a lot of fun [being injured], you sort of run out of PlayStation games to play and TV shows to watch,” joked Abbott at training on Monday ahead of Sydney Smash 10.
“It’s good fun being able to play cricket again. I’ve really enjoyed being back out on the park. Not trying to take it as serious and just getting out there and enjoying myself and smiling a bit more.”
Last Monday Abbott suited up for the SCG XI in an inter-club trial at Drummoyne Oval where he batted and bowled.
Against the Bangladesh Cricket Board XI on Wednesday Abbott batted and hit 14 not out but didn’t bowl as the Sixers only bowled spinners on a slippery North Sydney Oval field during the rain-affected run chase.
On Friday against Hong Kong in Coffs Harbour Abbott bowled and took a wicket thanks to a catch from captain Moises Henriques.
Following the three practice matches, Abbott says he is happy with how his body has performed.
“I’m very confident going into our first game tomorrow against the Thunder,” said Abbott.
“I’m looking forward to being back out and playing professional cricket again.
“I’m quite confident with the way the body is at the moment going into the tournament.”
The Sydney Smash has quickly become one of premier events on the Sydney sporting calendar and the two teams will face off again on Tuesday with the rivalry growing each year.
“We want to get back on our winning ways against those guys,” said Abbott.
“We’ve got a really well balance side this year. I mean, watching Jason Roy and Sammy Billings hit the ball today was remarkable.
“I’m very interested in how those guys come out tomorrow night. We’re shaping up very well the Sixers.
“We had some good trial games and played some good cricket and I’m very confident with the way the team’s shaping up heading into tomorrow and the rest of the Big Bash.”