Kyle Abbott claims nine wickets, best first-class figures in 63 years

Former South Africa seamer Kyle Abbott ran amok with the ball, snapping up a career-best nine for 40 in a County Championship Division One match against Somerset at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.

Abbott’s 9-wicket haul is the second best figure by any Hampshire bowler in first-class cricket. Cardigan Connor, who bagged 9 for 28 in 1996, continues to hold the record.

Abbott got rid of out of favour India opener Murali Vijay for a duck in his second over and then got his second breakthrough in the ninth over of the innings.

“I didn’t expect that when I woke up this morning. It was nice to get a couple early and then got on a little bit of a roll and it’s got us into a nice position," Abbott said.

“As soon as I came back I heard all the stats. It is all nice to have. There was an opportunity to put them under pressure and we did – they have a Championship on the line," he added.

Abbott has played 11 Tests, 28 ODIs and 21 T20Is between 2013 and 2017 before signing the Kolpak deal to pursue a career in England.