Abbott reflects on day 2 of final Test
Clarke was stuck on 99 for 24 balls, and was tied down by consistent lines and lengths from Abbott, who bowled six maidens in a row.
"That was a great period of Test cricket," he said of his battle with Clarke. "He (Clarke) was looking to pounce on anything remotely short or with a bit of width. He tried to create something from off-stump and that even got stopped at gully a couple of times. That was thoroughly enjoyable, I felt like I had my skills tested."
"What I did this morning is pretty much how I got myself into this side," Abbott said of his opening spell. "Yesterday wasn't really what I'm all about. I went at about just under four which really isn't me. This morning was a better reflection of what I'm going to bring to this side."
Abbott's figures of 0/68 in 28 overs don't do justice to his performance with the ball, which included 11 maidens and lines and lengths which constantly asked questions of the batsmen.
"A year ago I sat here after my Test debut and bowled probably exactly the same but had seven wickets behind my name," he said. "That is the great thing about this game, it humbles you quite quickly. The wind was challenging but we said that there was no use moaning about it, we had to get on with it. The bowlers put up their hands and bowled in tough conditions."
Heavy rain stopped play at around 2.15pm this afternoon, but Abbott feels there is enough time left in the match to force a result.
"It’s always disappointing losing time in the game, especially one of this nature," he said. "I’m not entirely sure about what they are going to do about the declaration. The rain has slowed the game down, but we will see what happens after both teams have batted. We are still going to stay positive, there is a series up for grabs and I think there is still plenty enough time in the game to get a result."
The Proteas will need to stay positive when they are eventually sent into bat, and must emulate Australia's efforts on the opening two days to stay in the match.
"We have to bat well," he said. "We have to bat as well as they have batted, all due respect and credit they batted incredibly well. We need to push the game forward and keep positive. As soon as we start thinking of a draw or have any negative thoughts that’s where you come unstuck. Knowing this team it’s only been positive thoughts and we have to move forward from there."
(File photo:Gallo Images)