Sean Abbott Acknowledges Need for Improved Bowling Execution after Fifth ODI Loss
Australian fast-bowling all-rounder Sean Abbott admits the bowling performance must improve after their fifth consecutive ODI loss, following a 99-run defeat to India via DLS method.
Sean Abbott, the fast-bowling all-rounder from Australia, candidly acknowledged the pressing need for improved bowling execution after enduring their fifth consecutive One Day International (ODI) defeat. Australia’s latest setback came in the form of a 99-run loss to India, determined by the DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) method.
In the second ODI at Holkar Stadium, Australia had opted to field first but found themselves conceding a daunting total of 399/5. Sean Abbott, in particular, was challenged as he conceded 91 runs, while Cameron Green also struggled, conceding over 100 runs. This marked a continuation of Australia’s struggles, with their last three matches in South Africa resulting in them conceding 416, 338, and 315 runs.
Abbott candidly commented, “It can still be improved a lot but our execution in bringing those stumps into play, owning our lengths and putting pressure on the batters that way certainly has to improve, and I have no doubt of that; we’ve got a very skilled attack.”
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Despite the series loss, Abbott emphasized that there was no sense of panic in the dressing room. He believed the performance in death bowling was acceptable, even though Australia gave away 103 runs in the final 10 overs of the match.
He stated, “It’s far from ideal. We’re communicating well out on the ground, but we’ve just not executed as well as we would have liked. I feel like I’ve made some of the same mistakes a couple of games in a row now. Although we went for 400 again, I thought our death bowling was pretty good.”
Abbott expressed concern about his performance during the first powerplay, where Australia struggled to contain Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, both of whom went on to score centuries. “It showed today when we were bowling, and it was a little bit the same in South Africa, every ball that missed the stumps was put away to the fence.”
He continued, “It’s not surprising… if you don’t execute like we did today, and last game, they’re just going to dine out, and we’re not putting them under much pressure. It’s disappointing, especially from my end. I’d had a poor Powerplay (after) a pretty good Powerplay last game.”
Concluding his reflection on the bowling performance, Abbott noted, “But I pride myself on the areas that I bowl and putting pressure on the batsman that way, and I’ve just noticed this tour, so far in these first two games and then in South Africa, the batters are just too good; as soon as you’re off the stumps or pitching outside leg, they’re not going to miss out. When we missed the stumps, especially up top, we were punished pretty badly, and we didn’t execute greatly with the ball.”