Sean Abbott's thoughts on IPL, injuries and what he loves

Did you play other sports growing up and at what age did you make a decision to go with cricket as a career?

I played rugby league growing up. My uncle played for the Parramatta Eels and my Grandfather has been involved with the club for about 30 years. I played a handful of underage rep games for the Eels but quit when I was 16.

What's been the best memory to date in cricket for you?

There's been many great memories so far. I'd say probably making my ODI and T20 debuts for Australia against Pakistan in Dubai and Abu Dhabi a few years ago.

Your fastest recorded bowling speed?

Unsure actually. Don't watch my games back much but I've looked up and seen 144 km/h a couple times. Would love to see that more often!

What's the most serious injury that you have had and how hard was it to come back from?

I had a ball hit back at me which hit me in the ankle and broke my leg. I struggled not being allowed to do anything or walk around for a few months. Once I came back it took quite a while for my body to trust my ankle and my leg to be able to put the force required through it to be able to bowl at 100%.

You have spent some time in the IPL in India. How did you find that experience and is it very different to our BBL?

Absolutely loved it. I got picked up for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. They've obviously had Virat Kohli, AB De Villiers and Chris Gayle for a number of years and it was awesome being able to train and play with those guys. Was lucky enough to have good mates Nic Maddinson and Mitch Starc at the franchise also. Also had close friend Trent Woodhill as assistant coach and loved working with Dan Vettori who was head coach. I found IPL quite different to BBL mainly because of the access to so many international players. The crowds there are also ridiculous. Couldn't fit any more people into any of the games at any ground!

Which batsman do you find the most challenging to bowl to and why?

Steve Smith. Feel like he's got so much time and can hit the ball anywhere he wants.

Favourite country to tour?

Definitely the UK!

When touring, we understand that you sometimes have to share rooms. Who is your favourite roommate to tour with?

I'd have to say Harry Conway. Never too far away from being in stitches with his theatrics and carry on.

How do you like to spend your time away from cricket when you are on a break?

I play A LOT of golf! But also enjoy spending time by the ocean with my dog Bear. Don't mind getting out to the farm once a year and clearing the head noise with a few hours on my dirt bike.

What is the best thing and least favourite thing about playing cricket for a living?

The best thing would have to be the lifestyle. To get travel the country and the world playing cricket. Plenty of downtime to enjoy the places we visit or just spending time with friends. The worst thing would have to be spending extended time away from family and friends. I get home sick easily.

QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS:

Favourite pre game snack? Protein Shake.

Best pump up song? Anything by Ocean Alley. I prefer the chill vibe pre game.

If you weren't playing cricket, what would you be doing? Absolutely no idea! Dog whisperer?

Do you have any pets? My Australian Kelpie, Bear.

Coffee or tea? Coffee.

Favourite sports team outside of cricket? Parramatta Eels.

What do you do to relax?  Golf or spend time with Bear.

Your best match figures? 7 for.

Most exciting game you have played in? My ODI and T20 debuts for Australia.

Poster on your wall as a kid was? Parramatta Eels team photo.

Person you most want to bowl out? Love bowling to David Warner and Steve Smith when they are at Blues training. Incredible batsmen.

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