Former South Africa fast bowler Kyle Abbott revealed he has had enjoyed his time in England after signing up for the English County Cricket Club Hampshire.
“I have enjoyed my last six months as much as I have ever enjoyed my cricket in the last nine-ten years,” Abbott was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Earlier, the 30-year-old Empangeni-born Abbott struck a four-year Kolpak deal in January, this year, in a bid to secure his future for the gentleman’s game.
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The promising speedster Abbott reiterated unless you’re not playing cricket one won’t be able to replicate what a professional has had done already in the top-level cricket.
“You are never going to replicate international cricket anywhere unless you are playing it,” Abbott asserted.
Brilliant with the ball, the right-arm bowler so far collected 60 wickets in the county season which further saw him cherishing his time in the United Kingdom.
“It has been really good for me; nice and refreshing,” Abbott added.
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While shedding light on his short stint in England, Abbott remarked it has been a great journey to represent one of the premium clubs in England.
“I have had a bit of experience in county cricket over the last couple of years, but to be settled and contribute for Hampshire was great,” Abbott further added.
Earlier, during the Sri Lanka tour to the Proteas, Abbott reiterated it was his one of the hardest decision to play in England while adding he is looking forward to delivering his best with the ball in particular.
“It is nice to get started with a few wickets and maybe it is a sign of things to come in the next couple of years,” Abbott explained.
It’s pertinent to mention that, Abbott delivered an emotional farewell which came at Newland earlier this year.
Having such a passion for the game, Abbott stated he has only aimed to play cricket be it of any format while availing the infrastructure in England.
“At the end of the day, I have realised over the last six-eight months that I just want to enjoy my cricket, no matter where I am playing and what stage it is,” Abbott said.
Concurrently, Abbott is representing the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Khulna Titans.
Abbott stated the Khulna-based outfit is being managed by quality cricketer while stating he is enjoying his time in Bangladesh in the T20 professional league.
“It is a great set-up from the management to the coaches Mahela [Jayawardene] and Alfonso [Thomas],” Abbott observed.
As at Abbott’s country of birth, the Ram Slam T20 Challenge had kicked off on Friday night (November 10) when Warriors faced Knights in the curtain raiser of the T20 competition, Abbott is in the subcontinent to yield desired results after the BBL contract.
“They chose me. It was an opportunity that came up a few months ago. All I want to do is play cricket and do my job. If I get an opportunity, I am going to take it,” Abbott concluded.
Abbott, who made his debut in 2013 for the Proteas, played 28 One-day Internationals and 21 Twenty20 Internationals.
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Moreover, who donning the white jersey for South Africa between 2013 to 2017, Abbott played 11 Test in which he bagged 36 wickets in 21 innings at an average of 22.71.