The return of Sydney Sixers seamer Sean Abbott to the Australian set-up has already been marred by controversy following a disgraceful comment from an English commentator.
During the pre-game coverage on BT Sport in the UK, a commentator (believed to be Simon Hughes) made a remark surrounding the tragic death of Phil Hughes.
And it is safe to say that cricket fans are none too pleased.
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In what should have been a special moment for Abbott, the commentator in question said 'he is most famous for bowling the ball that killed Phil Hughes' - which is simply not on.
Omg as if he’s just said that??? Pic.twitter.com/IMVmqq9xcw
— The Big Show (@ravi_layer) November 8, 2019
And the response to the clip on Twitter has been that of mass criticism.
WTF absolute cretin
— Akki (@CrickPotato1) November 8, 2019
This is absolutely atrocious, how on earth can he think that this is the right way to introduce Sean Abbott.
— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) November 8, 2019
Reprehensible. #AUSvPAK https://t.co/s9WFzaJZbS
I hope this is Simon Hughes last match as commentator. He literally addressed Sean Abbott as “killed Philip Hughes” Maybe he doesn’t know he went in depression for months and was so sorry for the loss and damage caused,really disappointed #AUSvPAK #PAKvsAUS #Australia
— Varunraj Nannaware 🇮🇳 (@Varunraj_n) November 8, 2019
#AUSvPAK He could have said something like "Great to see Australia give a recall to Sean Abbott, deserves his opportunity after impressive form in four day cricket"
— Summer Sports Ball (@crowdiegal) November 8, 2019
Not what he actually said https://t.co/t7Dlqm2bDX
Not going to quote tweet a certain overseas broadcaster's reference to Sean Abbott because that would give it more airtime but it was seriously cavalier and deplorable stuff #AusvPak
— Daniel Brettig (@danbrettig) November 8, 2019
Abbott took a wicket in his second over, and it was no doubt a well-deserved recall after consistent performances for the Sixers and NSW in recent years.