Australia quick Sean Abbott on the ‘trauma’ of Pakistan escape, and the real Sam Konstas

Australian Test hopeful Sean Abbott has detailed the repercussions of his close shave with the conflict that engulfed Pakistan earlier this year.

Sean Abbott has detailed the trauma of his close shave from conflict in Pakistan but insists he is keen to return to the nation.

The Australian paceman has meanwhile shed light on the dichotomy of Sam Konstas, describing the batting tyro as a “hooligan” but also outlining his down-to-earth side.

Abbott was a late call-up to the Aussie Test squad for the tour of the Caribbean after fellow quick Brendan Doggett was ruled out through injury.

The 33-year-old has not played since the suspension of the Pakistan Super League last month. Abbott had been playing for the Quetta Gladiators in the competition but was forced to flee the country alongside a host of other international players when tensions between India and Pakistan boiled over.

Abbott was among the Aussie players who had been on a flight that departed the Nur Khan airport only a few hours before the same military base was targeted by Indian forces.

Speaking before Australian training on Saturday in Barbados, Abbott said he had been shaken by the experience.

Australia quick Sean Abbott was among a host of players forced to flee Pakistan. Picture: Phill Magakoe/AFP

“Shocking. I found it quite traumatic to be honest. It was different for everyone. I don’t think it really sunk in for a few guys. Once our phones started pinging when we landed in Dubai as to what was happening since we left, it was pretty full on,” Abbott said.

“But the PSL itself was a great experience. The locals, I got to experience the Pakistan culture which was quite cool. I haven’t really had the chance to do that before. And a lovely bunch of lads, and a pretty good tournament. But not the way I wanted to finish.”

While some Aussies returned to the PSL when it resumed later in May – as happened with the Indian Premier League – Abbott stayed away. He has not however ruled a line through going back to Pakistan.

“I’d love to go back to Pakistan. Hopefully that sort of thing doesn’t happen again. It’s probably not something I want to experience again in terms of what was going when I left. But it was a fun tournament,” Abbott said.

“Obviously with all the security reasons, all the teams were based at the same hotel, so lots of friends as part of the overseas contingent so it was good fun.”

Sean Abbott is pushing to make his Test debut. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

A semi-regular in Australian white-ball teams in recent years, Abbott has also been around the mark for Test selection but remains without a baggy green.

With Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland all in the squad for the three Test series starting at Kensington Oval on Thursday morning (AEST), Abbott concedes he will need circumstances to conspire in his favour if he is to break through for a Test on this tour.

“I haven’t really had the chance to have much of a chat (with selectors), but obviously the four guys that have been playing have been playing some pretty unbelievable cricket,” Abbott said.

“So pretty firm pecking order with those four up top. But obviously the West Indies may present some different conditions. Hopefully an opportunity there comes up. But obviously I’d say it’s probably going to be more an opportunity through injury or trying to rest a few guys. Then again the conditions might suit playing two spinners.”

Sean Abbott alongside the recalled Sam Konstas. Picture: David Geraghty

One man locked in for the first Test is Abbott’s NSW teammate Konstas, who will return to the XI for Australia’s first match of the new World Test Championship cycle.

While brashness may have been a feature of Konstas’ brief international career to date, Abbott said there was a softer side to the youngster.

“Sammy’s a hooligan,” Abbott said.

“I feel like I’m seeing his face everywhere at the minute, across social media. He’s certainly burst onto the scene.

“But the thing that stood out for me with Sammy was after the Test series with India last year, we were out on the ground and he came up to me and asked me if those were my parents, standing a few metres away … he went over and chatted to them for about 30 or 40 minutes.

“I got to see what he was really about.”

Originally published as Australia quick Sean Abbott on the ‘trauma’ of Pakistan escape, and the real Sam Konstas