'Utterly disgraceful': Commentator under fire for 'tasteless' Sean Abbott comment
BT Sport commentator Simon Hughes has come under criticism for a “tasteless” comment regarding the international return of Sean Abbott.
Abbott returned for the Aussies in their clash against Pakistan for the first time in five years and said he was “buzzing” after taking two wickets in the T20 match.
AMAZING: The photo that's captured the cricket world's attention
Omg as if he’s just said that??? pic.twitter.com/IMVmqq9xcw
— The Big Show (@ravi_layer) November 8, 2019
The Sydney Sixers gun was the second-highest wicket-taker in the BBL08 and was coming off a stellar season, which earned him the recall.
But English commentator Hughes, on BT Sport, introduced the powerful fast-bowler to the viewers as the man most-known for bowling the ball that killed Phillip Hughes.
“A rare opportunity for Sean Abbott to play, the man who is most famous probably for having the terrible misfortune of bowling the ball that killed Phillip Hughes in the middle,” Hughes said on coverage.
Viewers on social media were furious with the introduction and labelled the comments “tasteless”.
@SkyCricket Would be very interested to hear Simon Hughes apology to Sean Abbott.
What an utterly disgraceful comment. Tasteless and gutless. Horrible.
Could go with the domestic record stats but no, go down that line. Yuck.— Benji Slater (@bennymcslats) November 8, 2019
Look I don’t rate Sean Abbott, I think his bowling pretty trash but this is absolutely abhorrent. We all know. We don’t need reminding. We don’t need that to be the focal point of him playing. Doesn’t need to be raised at all https://t.co/JFriAkuDde
— Just An Average Grade Cricketer (@avegradecricket) 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"
Not what he actually said https://t.co/t7Dlqm2bDX— Summer Sports Ball (@crowdiegal) November 8, 2019
This is absolutely atrocious, how on earth can he think that this is the right way to introduce Sean Abbott.
Reprehensible. #AUSvPAK https://t.co/s9WFzaJZbS— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) November 8, 2019
Abbott was praised for his impressive comeback, which he earned through his impressive BBL form.
The 27-year-old’s last T20 for Australia was back in 2014 against South Africa.
Commentator Hughes was a fast-bowler and played 205 first-class matches in England.