Abbott has learnt to deal with being a reserve
Despite almost always not letting the side down when he gets an opportunity to play, South Africa seamer Kyle Abbott says he has learnt how to deal with constantly being a reserve.
When any Proteas squad is selected Abbott's name is always in the mix but he has now got use to regularly carrying the drinks and only plays when one of fast bowlers are either injured or rested.
The 28 year-old Abbott made his Test debut more than two years ago against Pakistan and had the second most successful figures for a South Africa bowler on debut, recording figures of seven for 29 in the first innings.
He has only gone on to play two Tests since that first match in 2013 as he is behind the trio of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel in the Proteas pecking order.
It has virtually been the same in the limited-overs formats with Abbott constantly trying put on a performance when he gets on the park because he knows it might his last.
Speaking about his frustrations, Abbott said: "That has been the case since my debut – I didn't go on the next Test series after that so that's something I've had to deal with.
"It's not an easy position to be in but at the end of the day, you've got to tick your boxes on the field and let things take care of themselves. It is frustrating at times but there is nothing I can do about it.
"As long as I am happy with what I am doing off the field and giving everything to this team, opportunities eventually come. On the field, maybe I go in search of one [wicket] that I shouldn't but I guess I'm human at the end of the day.
"It is a tough situation but I've got my head around it over the last two years and learnt to deal with it."
Latest
-
NewsChris Silverwood hopes England batsmen can learn from quickfire third-Test loss
Silverwood would not be drawn into criticising the pitch.
-
NewsEngland players clash online over Alex Hartley’s social media comments
Hartley advertised England Women’s one-day international with New Zealand by referencing the men’s third Test defeat inside two days to India.
-
NewsNat Sciver excels as England wrap up series win in New Zealand
Sciver claimed three for 26 and hit 63.
-
NewsJoe Root invites ICC to make own judgement on Ahmedabad pitch
England were beaten by 10 wickets to go 2-1 down in the series.
-
NewsIt was nice to bat on – Rohit Sharma defends pitch after India seal two-day win
The hosts thrashed England by 10 wickets in Ahmedabad.
-
NewsCharlotte Edwards elected as first female president of the PCA
The former England captain takes over from Graham Gooch at the Professional Cricketers’ Association.
-
NewsJoe Root refuses to blame pitch for England’s quickfire defeat in Ahmedabad
It was the shortest match since 1935 in terms of balls bowled.
-
News7 Tests with the most premature endings since 2000
A turning wicket caused chaos for batsmen on both sides as England’s first-innings collapse for 112 set the tone.
-
NewsPundits criticise pitch and England selection policy after heavy defeat to India
There were 17 wickets inside two sessions on the second day of the Test as Joe Root’s side suffered defeat.
-
NewsIndia v England, Day 2: The hosts put Joe Root’s side in a spin
England slipped 2-1 down in the series.