Introduction
Kyle John Abbott (born 18 June 1987) is a South African cricketer. He is a right-arm fast-medium bowler who represented South Africa in Test, One Day International and Twenty20 International cricket between 2013 and 2017, before retiring to take up a contract with Hampshire in English county cricket. He previously played in South African domestic cricket for the Dolphins.
Domestic career
In 2006 and 2007 Abbott played his cricket for an English seaside town Clevedon Cricket Club which played in the West of England Premier League - Bristol Somerset. This was where he was recognized by Somerset CCC and represented their second team.
In 2015 Abbott was bought by the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL8 auction. He was included in the KZN Inland squad for the 2015 Africa T20 Cup. In 2016 Abbott was bought by the Kings XI Punjab in the IPL 9 auction.
International career
He was named as the replacement for the injured Jacques Kallis in the South Africa national cricket team for the third Test against Pakistan in February 2013. He took seven wickets on debut in the 3rd Test against Pakistan in February 2013, where he adjudged man of the match as well. These were the ninth best figures of all time for a debutant in test cricket.
Retirement
On 5 January 2017 following the conclusion of the second Test against Sri Lanka, Abbott signed a Kolpak deal with Hampshire County Cricket Club which made him ineligible to represent South Africa anymore, ending his international career.
International performances
Test 5 wicket hauls
| # | Figures | Match | Opponent | Venue | City | Country | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7/29 | 1 |  Pakistan | SuperSport Park | Centurion | South Africa | 2013 |
| 2 | 5/40 | 5 |  India | Feroz Shah Kotla | Delhi | India | 2015 |
| 3 | 6/77 | 8 |  Australia | Bellerive Oval | Hobart | Australia | 2016 |
International awards
Test cricket
Man of the Match awards
| S No | Series | Season | Match Performance | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3rd Test - Pakistan in South Africa Test Series | 2012/13 | 1st Innings: 13 (28 balls, 1x4) ; 11.4-4-29-7 2nd Innings: DNB ; 17-7-39-2 |  South Africa won by an innings and 18 runs. |
| 2 | 2nd Test - South Africa in Australia Test Series | 2016/17 | 1st Innings: 23.1-3-77-6 ; 3 (9 balls) 2nd Innings: 12.4-3-41-3 ; DNB | South Africa won by an innings and 80 runs. |
ODI cricket
Man of the Match awards
| S No | Opponent | Venue | Date | Match Performance | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | St George's Park, Port Elizabeth | 9 October 2016 | 8-0-40-4 ; DNB | South Africa won by 6 wickets. |