That was clear again in a recent interview with Cricbuzz, where the Hampshire County Cricket Club seamer spoke openly about his form, his career and life in England.

Asked whether he still feels good enough to play for South Africa, Abbott did not hesitate.

“Based on current form I’d back myself to make a squad, 100%,” he said.

Now 38, Abbott continues to perform at a high level in county cricket. Season after season, he remains among the leading wicket takers in England’s top division while still carrying a heavy workload for Hampshire.

Abbott believes his success comes from sticking to simple methods.

“You have all these new science and medicine guys and everything,” he said. “And I’m like, ‘Give me a pair of boots and a cone and I’m going to bowl.’”

That old school approach also shapes how he trains. Abbott revealed that he covered 43 kilometres during a recent four day match against Somerset, leading him to focus on long distance running during the winter.

“I pride myself on bowling the most overs,” he said. “That go to guy who can bowl those overs and be reliable.”

Despite his success, Abbott admitted there are still moments of doubt at the start of each season.

“Every year a bit of imposter syndrome creeps in,” he said. “Then you look back at the end of the year and you’re still in the top three or four bowlers in the country.”

Abbott also reflected on his life in England after nearly a decade with Hampshire.

“Listen, it will never be home,” he said. “South Africa will always be home.”

His move to county cricket came after the disappointment of missing South Africa’s 2015 World Cup semi final despite having some of the best bowling numbers in the squad. That eventually pushed him towards a Kolpak deal and a long term future in England.

Still, Abbott holds no bitterness about the past. He even praised former Proteas coach Russell Domingo, now also at Hampshire.

“I knew full well at the time that Russell’s hands were tied,” Abbott said. “There’s never been any bad blood.”