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Michael Neser's Test call-up has made Sean Abbott hungrier for a baggy green, but the paceman and new dad has no regrets about putting family first this month.

Sean Abbott is on the cusp of his biggest BBL milestone yet and closing in on a baggy green, but it is the delivery of baby Ella that has captured the paceman's recent attention.

Last week, Abbott and partner Brier welcomed their first child.

The Sydney Sixers star was part of Australia's Ashes boot camp on the Gold Coast, but returned home before the clash between Australia A and England Lions to ensure he was present for the birth.

Michael Neser impressed in that tour match, closing in on the Test debut he made in stunning circumstances after Pat Cummins was a late scratching at Adelaide Oval.

"Brier was a little bit upset with me that I came home, instead of staying up there for the Lions game in Brisbane," Abbott said.

"I just thought it wasn't even a conversation to have. She's made plenty of sacrifices for me of over the years.

"I wasn't really thinking about cricket too much until the Sixers were playing down in Melbourne.

"It's been an unbelievable week ... everyone that said it would be life changing had sort of played it down a little bit."

Abbott will make a timely return for the Sixers in Tuesday night's SCG clash with Adelaide Strikers after fellow fast-bowling allrounder Tom Curran suffered a season-ending back injury.

The 29-year-old, who expects to be on deck for the rest of the table-topping Sixers' quest for a third straight crown, requires three more scalps to overtake Ben Laughlin and become the BBL's all-time leading wicket-taker.

The new dad, who was part of Australia's enlarged Test squad throughout the 2020-21 series against India, has also arguably never been closer to a Test debut.

Especially in the COVID-19 era, as Neser's experience demonstrates.

"I certainly feel very close. I feel like my cricket and bowling is in a great space," Abbott said.

"Absolutely stoked for Nes ... that's what dreams are made of.

"He's been doing really well for Queensland for a number of years ... been on tour with the Aussie squad and running drinks.

"But it's making me more hungry to be the next one to get that opportunity, hopefully."

Abbott had a chance to sit down with Australia coach Justin Langer while watching Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood warm up for the Ashes in the nets.

But their conversation centred on fatherhood, rather than cricket.

"He gave me a couple of good one-liners, about how only the good-looking guys have daughters," Abbott quipped.

"He gave me a few tips."

BBL'S ALL-TIME LEADING WICKET-TAKERS:

* 111 - Ben Laughlin (96 games)

* 109 - Sean Abbott (82 games)

* 104 - Kane Richardson (82 games)

* 100 - AJ Tye (72 games)

* 90 - Adam Zampa (79 games).