Bowling in partnerships key – Abbott

Standard Bank Proteas seam bowler, Kyle Abbott, says bowling in partnerships will be a key game plan for success in the first Sunfoil Test match against Sri Lanka starting at St George’s Park on December 26th. Abbott expects a ‘scrappy’ effort in the traditionally drier conditions in Port Elizabeth, where patience and pressure will be the focus. The fast bowling trio of Abbott, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada shared 40 wickets during the three-match Test series against Australia last month, and have grown in the understanding of their roles by complementing each other with their different skills sets. Personally, Abbott is looking to further establish himself as a key cog in the attack after a stop-start Test career. He has played only nine Test matches since his record-breaking 7/29 on debut against Pakistan in 2013 but has the opportunity to settle into his role this upcoming season in the absence of injured strike bowler, Dale Steyn.