Friday 12 December 2014 14:36, UK
Sean Abbott, the Australian bowler whose bouncer fatally injured Phillip Hughes, claimed career-best figures of 6-14 as New South Wales beat Queensland in the Sheffield Shield.
There had been fears the 22-year-old paceman may have been too traumatised to play again after Hughes died from being hit by one of his rising balls at the Sydney Cricket Ground last month.
But he opted to return to action in the match against Queensland at the same venue, and he played a key role in New South Wales’ victory.
Abbott tore through the Queensland batting order in a seven-over spell, which included three maidens, to help dismiss the Bulls for 99 in their second innings as New South Wales won by an innings and 80 runs.
He was on a hat-trick at one point after dismissing Chris Hartley and Cameron Brimblecombe with consecutive deliveries, but Luke Feldman fended off a yorker on the next delivery.
Abbott, who also made 21 with the bat, produced lively pace and reverse swing to finish the match with figures of 8-67 from 22 overs.
Abbott received a standing ovation as he left the ground and New South Wales coach Trevor Bayliss said the entire team was delighted for him.
"To do what he did today really showed the character that he has got," he said.
