Stephen O'Keefe says Sean Abbott is destined for higher honours after spearheading NSW's attack on day one of their Sheffield Shield clash at the SCG.
Abbott showcased his progression on Friday with two key wickets as Queensland finished at 6-221 at stumps.
The 23-year-old fired with the new ball, trapping Sam Heazlett lbw with the fourth ball of his first over before snaring Marnus Labuschagne to have the visitors in deep trouble.
The entire cricketing community was willing on Abbott on the anniversary of Phillip Hughes' death.
On an emotional day, both sides wore black armbands and the flags on top of the members' pavilion were lowered to half mast in honour of Hughes, who died two days after being struck by a bouncer at the same ground.
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Abbott bowled the ball in what was a tragic accident.
The spark he provided on Friday is why many consider him a Test player in waiting.
Spinner O'Keefe said while Abbott had not been as consistent as he would have liked over the past few years, he reminded people the bowling allrounder was still only young and learning his craft.
"I think he's going from strength to strength. He's getting stronger, he's bowling a heavy ball and he's learning to bowl at first-class level," O'Keefe said.
"That's what we want from him - we want him putting those consistent performances up.
"He got two really key wickets in the middle. I think his new-ball bowling is coming along but one thing he's really good at is old-ball bowling. He bowls that fuller length and gets the ball to swing.
"He's one guy who NSW would love to see progress along the chain."
O'Keefe, after being overlooked for the Australian XI for the Adelaide Test, was also good, finishing with 2-51.
The Bulls were reduced to 5-94 at one point before a 120-run partnership between Jason Floros (72no) and Chris Hartley (48) navigated the visitors out of strife.
Floros shapes as the key for the Bulls and says he is determined to go on with the job after getting a start.
"The wicket is beautiful and it's not doing much sideways and not much spin yet," Floros said.
"So now is the time to cash in when you're batting."
