'Bouncer bowler' Abbott set for competitive cricket return

Australian fast bowler Sean Abbott, who delivered the bouncer that turned lethal for batsman Phillip Hughes last month, could reportedly return to the pitch for domestic side New South Wales on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old fast bowler has reportedly been included in a 12-man squad for the four-day Sheffield Shield match against Queensland at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where Hughes was struck and collapsed on 25 November.

The team would not be announced until the morning of the game, with all players having the option to withdraw if they feel they are not ready, The BBC reported.

NSW captain Moises Henriques said that from their point of view, they are trying to expel Abbott's name from the tragedy a little bit, adding that the doesn't believe that the paceman was any more at fault than any fast bowler who has ever bowled a bouncer in his career.

25-year-old Hughes passed in hospital two days after being hit in the neck by the short-pitched delivery during a domestic game. And since the incident, Abbott has received widespread support, including counselling from Cricket Australia.

In light of the reports claiming Abbott's return to competitive cricket, former England captain Michael Vaughan tweeted on Sunday that it is a brilliant News, adding that the whole '#cricketfamily' is right behind the bowler.