By Tom Decent
Sean Abbott’s remarkable resilience was on display on Wednesday at the SCG as he and teammates took part in an emotional tribute to Phillip Hughes before play on day four of their Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania.
Abbott, who bowled the bouncer that struck Hughes during a Shield match between NSW and South Australia at the SCG on November 25, 2014, joined teammates for a minute’s silence 10 years to the day since the 25-year-old died as a result of that blow.
“He was incredibly brave today,” said NSW skipper Jack Edwards after play.
Abbott, a bowling all-rounder, had been given the choice to sit out the match but wanted to play and has been well-supported by teammates and Cricket NSW.
Cricket Australia consulted the Australian Cricketers’ Association to make sure players were comfortable taking the field in a match scheduled on the anniversary of an incident that shocked the cricketing world.
Given what Abbott has had to go through, one would not have begrudged him for missing a match that has coincided with the anniversary of one of Australian cricket’s saddest moments.
Less than two weeks after Hughes was hit, Abbott, 22 years old at the time, was back playing for the Blues at the SCG as the cricket world rallied around him.
At 10.20am on Wednesday, with Blues coach Greg Shipperd to his left, Abbott was visibly upset as the minute’s silence came to an end on the SCG outfield.
Some teammates gave Abbott a pat on the back as he wiped his eyes with his hand.
NSW cricketer Sean Abbott (centre) with teammates Adam Zampa (left) and Matt Gilkes (right).Credit: Kate Geraghty
He headed back to the dressing rooms with teammates briefly and was met with a hug from his wife Brier.
Alongside teammates, Abbott took the field at 10.30am, with NSW searching for wickets against Tasmania during the final day of the match.
With Tasmania 4-236 after 63 overs, Abbott came on to bowl the second over of the day and not long after had taken two wickets in two balls. He missed the hat-trick but snared second innings figures of 4-71 from 16 overs before Tasmania declared, setting the Blues 295 to win.
NSW fell 55 runs short after being bowled out for 239 with just under 40 minutes left in the day. Josh Philippe top scored with 55, while Abbott contributed 12 runs at No.8.
“It was an emotional morning and a nice touch by the SCG. It was important to remember Phil,” Edwards said. “Once we got the cricket started, it was back to business. He [Abbott] showed his professionalism the way he came out and bowled. I’m sure it was extremely emotional for him.”
Abbott, who has carved out an international career - 26 one-day internationals and 20 T20 internationals to date - has never spoken about the incident involving Hughes. He attended Hughes’ funeral in Macksville 10 years ago, flanked by teammates and family.
There have been times when Abbott has copped unwanted and unwarranted trolling on social media but has shown immense bravery to continue playing.
His cricket mates are in awe at the resilience of one of the most loved members on any team he plays on.
Adam Zampa, who was playing alongside Hughes for South Australia in the match 10 years ago, stood two down from Abbott during the minute’s silence, wearing a black armband like his fellow teammates. Blues opener Nic Maddinson was the only other player involved in this match who was at the SCG on that fateful day.
Sean Abbott looks on. Credit: Kate Geraghty
Australian Cricketers’ Association boss Todd Greenberg, Venues NSW chairman David Gallop and Venues NSW chief executive Kerrie Mather were also in attendance. Ellyse Perry and Ash Gardner, members of Australia’s women’s team, sat in the stands and paid tribute alongside other cricket fans.
So, too, were John Orchard, the NSW cricket team’s doctor from that day in 2014 and a number of cricketers, including Ed Cowan and Stuart MacGill later in the day.
Former Test captain Michael Clarke paid tribute to Hughes on Sydney radio on Wednesday morning.
“This week is never fun. Thoughts go out to his family and his friends,” Clarke said on the Big Sports Breakfast. “I’m sure everybody will be thinking of him. It’s hard to believe and it’s still exceptionally raw.”
Tasmania skipper Jordan Silk said: “There was definitely some emotion around it for us. It’s a tough day for everyone involved. But you know, the beauty is that we get to celebrate a great life lived.”
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