CricketSport

Abbott signs new 2025 Hampshire contract extension

By Connor Steel

HAMPSHIRE CRICKET have confirmed that their fast bowler Kyle Abbott has formally agreed a new one-year contract extension at the Utilita Bowl; the thirty-seven year old deciding to extend a long playing career until the end of the 2025 summer season and cement a ninth campaign for the county as they aim to secure a fourth County Championship title.

The South African played in his official club debut back in 2014 and made ‘history’ just five years later as he took 17-86 against rivals Somerset at the Utilita Bowl; which still remains the best ever figures in this team’s history. He has further had spells at Middlesex (2015) and then Worcestershire in 2016 but returned to Southampton in time for the 2017 year.

Across eight first class seasons of varied successes for the Rose and Crown, he has taken a total of 422 wickets at an average of 20. These figures include twenty-eight five wicket ‘hauls’ and then two ‘hat-tricks’; which were taken against Worcestershire six years ago and Gloucestershire (2022) as he caused an issue with the unique style of seam bowling.

Last year was Abbott’s best season as he took fifty-five wickets for under twenty runs an dismissal across this summer; which saw Hampshire record their best first class finish since 2005 as they ended 2nd in Division One. The bowler was third in the wicket totals with just Essex’s Jamie Porter and Yorkshire’s Ben Coad securing more dismissals throughout.

Abbott backed these up with a successful ‘Metro Bank One-Day Cup’ as he took 12 wickets in eight games; which took him to 46 wickets in 31 innings for Hampshire as they reached the last eight. Alongside this the bowler has taken thirty-nine dismissals in 11 tests for his country and has featured in ‘franchise tournaments’ across the globe such as the IPL.

The bowler commented on Wednesday: I’m really pleased to sign on for another season with Hampshire, the Club has been like a second home to me over the years. We have an amazing set of players and a really exciting bowling attack so hopefully we can go 1 step further than last year and get our hands on the Championship Trophy (late September).”

Readers can explore a full quote from Director of Cricket Giles White by clicking this online link; which will further allow supporters to see full updates around the Utilita Bowl including player contract news and all fixtures for their 2025 year.

PICTURED BY ALAMY (2X63D49): Abbott bowls a ‘trademark delivery’ versus Durham in Division One game last year.