Abbott on the move

ZULULAND pace bowler Kyle Abbott relishes his move to Hampshire Cricket Club in England, where he believes his exposure to playing conditions in England this summer will stand him in good stead if he is part of the South African touring squad in 2017.

The 27-year-old missile launcher joins Hampshire after picking up the Domestic Players’ Player of the Season and SACA Most Valuable Cricketer of the Year awards at the 2014 Cricket South Africa awards ceremony.

‘Experience is the main thing,’ said Abbott in a BBC radio interview. ‘If I can expose myself to different conditions around the world and grow in experience, that is key. South Africa is coming here in a few years’ time, so hopefully I can get used to the conditions.’

Every Zululander will remember Abbott’s Test debut back in February last year against Pakistan, where he ended with bowling figures of 7-29 in their second innings.

This was the second best figures taken by a South African debutant, yet he had to wait over a year for his next Test call-up which came against Australia in March this year.

‘It was a tough year on the fringes,’ said Kyle.

But he seems to be excited and confident about his decision to move to Hampshire.

‘It is something I wanted to do and I am excited to get going now,’ he said.

‘I’ve always tried to take myself out of my comfort zone. That is when players perform at their best. Plying my trade away from home in a professional set-up in conditions I am not used to, is an awesome opportunity to grow.’

Kyle has been selected for the 15-man squad that plays a two-match test series against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka.

The first one is on 16 July at Galle International Stadium, followed by the second on 24 July in Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo.

Abbott also aims to make the squad for the Zimbabwe Test on 9 September.

@sports_richard