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Sean Abbott has put NSW on the verge of an unlikely victory. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: News Corp Australia
SEAN Abbott has emerged from the darkest two weeks of his life to lead NSW to a dramatic Sheffield Shield victory against Queensland at the SCG.
Abbott tore through the Queensland batting order to claim 6-14 and dismiss the Bulls for 99 in pursuit of 179 in the second session on the final day of the clash.
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The 22-year-old was at one point on a hat-trick after removing Chris Hartley and Cameron Brimblecombe with consecutive balls but missed out when Luke Feldman survived the next ball.
Abbott endured the toughest of preparations as he dealt with the death of Phillip Hughes.
Hughes died as the result of being hit by a bouncer delivered by Abbott at the same ground two weeks ago.
But he showed incredible mental resolve as he produced reverse swing and showed lively pace to destroy the Bulls in a seven-over spell that included three maidens.
A result looked unlikely going into the final day after the Blues began in the middle on 6-386.
Abbott received a standing ovation from the Member’s Stand as he left the ground.