'Realistic' Sean Abbott making most of the Australia opportunity to get better

Sean Abbott, who was the hero of Australia's second ODI against the West Indies at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), stated that he isn't thinking about skipping any games for Australia. The pacer wants to play the final ODI in Canberra on February 6 as he is aware of how hard it is for him to get a place in the squad.

The 31-year-old produced an all-round performance at the SCG. He scored 69 off 63 deliveries while batting down the order and rescued Australia from 167 for 7. His knock powered the Steven Smith-led side to post a competitive total of 258 runs. The bowling all-rounder further showcased his prowess in bowling as he finished with excellent figures of 3/40 and helped Australia to restrict the Windies by 175 in 43.3 overs. Notably, the hosts won the game by 83 runs and went on to seal the series, having previously won the opening game. 

"I don't want to skip any games. Obviously [it's] a tight turnaround but that's part of playing cricket for your country at the moment…I don't want to give up a game. There are a few guys resting tonight like Patty [Cummins] and Starcy, so it's a hard team to get into and it's an even harder team to stay [in]. Won't be giving up my spot for a rest if I can help it," Abbott was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. 

Abbott is mindful that Australia have fruitful pace options despite the fact his batting will bolster the side's performance. He also stated that he is using this opportunity to better his performance and cement his place in the squad.

"I'm pretty realistic. I know how talented some of the guys are that have been playing and also the next guys in. I use it as an opportunity to keep trying to get better and if I'm not playing I assume it will help them to get better because I'm pushing them to get better.

"If you aren't getting picked because guys are playing really well the best you can do is keep going out and performing and keep getting better. I can cop that, if guys are playing really well, that's fine by me, but I'll be doing everything I can to get their spot. At the same time, I'm quite realistic that we have a hell of a talented pool of fast bowlers at the moment," he added.