Abbott returns to New South Wales squad

New South Wales paceman Sean Abbott was back in the nets on Monday, preparing for a four-day first-class match against Queensland starting on Tuesday in Sydney.
It was at the Sydney Cricket Ground on November 25th that Abbott bowled a bouncer that fatally struck Phillip Hughes in the neck, and the fast bowler has received universal support from the cricketing community.
NSW bowling coach Geoff Lawson, who was keeping a close eye on proceedings at training, felt that the session was as close to what a normal net session would be like.
Lawson said: "He bowled well, technically did the right thing. We fiddled around with a few little things like we normally do – it was a normal net session."
Head coach Trevor Bayliss felt that, while all the messages of support for Abbott is well-intended, he is worried that it could be a reminder of the terrible incident.
He said: "Sometimes it's almost been a little bit too much [and] reminding everyone of his involvement.
"I think, as (captain) Moises [Henriques] said yesterday, we've tried our best to keep his name [from everything that's happened]. He hasn't done anything different to any other bowler or any other player in the game.
"He's handled things as well as can be expected and probably better than some of the other guys."
Meanwhile, a state memorial service planned for Hughes has been cancelled. Close to 5000 people attended the service in Hughes' home town of Macksville and the service was shown live by the public broadcaster.
New South Wales Premier Mike Baird said the decision followed consultation with Cricket Australia and Hughes's family.
Baird said: "All parties felt that given the enormous outpouring of support at last Wednesday's funeral, a state memorial service would no longer need to be held.
"Last Wednesday's funeral in Macksville was a wonderful service and a fitting tribute to Phillip's life, and it was a privilege to be a part of it. It was a community event attended by thousands of people, watched live by millions of Australians and observed at a number of grounds around the country, including the Sydney Cricket Ground."
Latest
-
News
It was nice to bat on – Rohit Sharma defends pitch after India seal two-day win
The hosts thrashed England by 10 wickets in Ahmedabad.
-
News
Charlotte Edwards elected as first female president of the PCA
The former England captain takes over from Graham Gooch at the Professional Cricketers’ Association.
-
News
Joe Root refuses to blame pitch for England’s quickfire defeat in Ahmedabad
It was the shortest match since 1935 in terms of balls bowled.
-
News
7 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.
-
News
Pundits 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.
-
News
India v England, Day 2: The hosts put Joe Root’s side in a spin
England slipped 2-1 down in the series.
-
News
England slump to two-day Test defeat against India in Ahmedabad
Spinner Axar Patel took five for 32 to finish with a match haul of 11 wickets.
-
News
England on course for defeat inside two days after collapse against spin
England were bowled out for 81.
-
News
Warwickshire bolster batting with signing of Pieter Malan
Paul Frabrace hopes Pieter Malan will help mentor Warwickshire’s young batsmen.
-
News
How Joe Root’s five-for-eight compares to England’s best Test bowling figures
The part-time off-spinner ripped through India’s tail in Ahmedabad.