Tring Park snap up Australian international star Abbott for 2016 campaign

Abbott was involved in one of cricket’s most tragic moments in 2014, when his delivery hit batsman Phillip Hughes hit in the neck as South Australia faced New South Wales – causing an artery to split and leading to a bleed to the brain.

Hughes had CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation at the ground before being taken to hospital, where he had a 90-minute operation to relieve pressure on his brain. Sadly, he never regained consciousness and died two days later.

Since Hughes’ death, former Australian Young Cricketer of the Year Abbott has managed to battle back bravely to continue his cricket career, and Tring Park believe he will be a valuable asset to the club this season.

Tring Park CC chairman Simon Shearman, said: “This is fabulous news for Tring Park Cricket Club and the local community. Sean is a terrific young cricketer and we very much look forward to working with him.

“Tring punches way above its weight in sport, particularly cricket and rugby; this is just another example of that and I have no doubt that Sean will be embraced by the town and his stay with us will be an enjoyable one.

“A big thank you to all those who have made this possible, in particular Berkhamsted School and Tape Specialities Ltd.”

On his appointment, 24-year-old Abbott added: “I am looking forward to heading over to Tring during our winter. It will be a great opportunity to play a very good standard of league cricket.

“My focus is to help win the Premier League title for Tring. I know cricket is very strong in the area and I’m also very excited about working with some of the younger cricketers in the club. This will be my first visit to the UK so I can’t wait!”

Tring Park’s season commences with pre-league warm up games starting on Saturday, April 16 before the opening Home Counties Premier League match of the campaign on May 7 against Reading CC.