The Mohammad Abbas Sri Lanka Tests start on November 9, and the veteran fast bowler is chasing the one milestone missing from his Test career: a five-wicket haul on home soil.
Abbas spoke on the sidelines of the team’s practice session at the Islamabad Club on Saturday. Pakistan open the series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 9, with the second Test at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from November 17 to 21.
“I thank Allah that I am in form and will try to continue it. I owe a big performance — a five-wicket haul — in Pakistan, so I will try to get my name on the board here as well,” he said.
Mohammad Abbas Sri Lanka Tests: a record built abroad
Abbas has taken more than 110 Test wickets since his debut in 2017, at an average in the low 20s. He has taken five wickets in an innings several times, but never in Pakistan.
His career-best figures of 6 for 54 came against Australia in the UAE in 2018, when he also registered a match haul of 10 for 95. Earlier this year, he claimed 5 for 57 at Lord’s and finished with match figures of 9 for 127. His best return at home remains four wickets in an innings.
The 36-year-old credited his consistency to regular red-ball cricket, through regional and departmental competitions and stints in English county cricket. He said he managed around 20 to 25 days of competitive cricket almost every year.
Pakistan sit bottom of the WTC table
Both Tests are part of the World Test Championship cycle, in which Pakistan currently occupy the bottom position, while Sri Lanka are seventh. The series is therefore about more than the milestone for Abbas: Pakistan need points to climb off the foot of the table.
“Practice is going very well. A practice match has also taken place. Every boy is in match practice, which is very good for Test cricket and for Pakistan,” Abbas said.
He welcomed the inclusion of young players in Babar Azam’s 14-member squad, which features several uncapped or relatively inexperienced players, including Mohammad Taha, Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Suleman and all-rounder Razaullah. Two additional fast bowlers are expected to be finalised following the warm-up match.
“This team has quite a few youngsters. The cricket board and management have decided that youngsters should be given a chance. It is a big opportunity for them to show their skills and secure their place for the future. This is a good sign,” he said.
He was particularly impressed with Razaullah, who made an impact on his debut against England at Edgbaston, claiming four wickets before smashing a rapid 81, including nine sixes.
“Razaullah is a very good prospect for Pakistan. He joined us in England and last year he also played against me in departmental cricket. We have had good discussions; he talks and tries to learn. Hopefully he will be good for Pakistan and together, Inshallah, we will try to make Pakistan win,” Abbas said.
No easy matches, Abbas warns
The experienced pacer warned against underestimating Sri Lanka, stressing that performances on the day and the ability to adapt to conditions would determine the outcome.
“Every team is good. It depends on how the opposing team is playing, how good a combination has formed in our own team, and how well we assess and perform on the day. No team is easy. Every match and every day is very important. Our effort will be to assess the conditions and play good cricket accordingly,” he said.
Although he has yet to inspect the Rawalpindi surface, Abbas believes Pakistani pitches generally help fast bowlers, and said sharing his experience with younger teammates would be important.
“Mostly the pitches here help fast bowlers. But every match has different pitches, different conditions and a different opposition. We will assess whatever comes as soon as possible. I will share my experience with the youngsters and then take the match forward with them, Inshallah,” he said.
Pakistan lead Sri Lanka 23-17 in 59 previous Tests, with 19 draws. The hosts will hope to build on that record in Rawalpindi, while Abbas chases the home five-wicket haul that has eluded him.
The build-up has been steady. Pakistan’s squad has been training for the series, Sri Lanka warmed up with a win over a Patron’s XI, and ticket prices for the Rawalpindi Test have been announced. Elsewhere in Test cricket, Mohammed Shami announced his retirement from the format this week, while Usman Khawaja said the whole Australian team knew about the 2018 ball-tampering plot. For Abbas, the series will be judged on one number: five wickets in an innings, at home, at last.
Frequently asked questions
When does the first Test against Sri Lanka start?
The first Test will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 9 to 13. The second Test follows at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from November 17 to 21.
What is Mohammad Abbas’s best bowling return at home?
Abbas has taken more than 110 Test wickets, but he is yet to take five wickets in an innings on Pakistani soil. His best return at home remains four wickets.
Who are the new faces in Pakistan’s squad?
The 14-member squad includes uncapped or relatively inexperienced players such as Mohammad Taha, Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Suleman and all-rounder Razaullah. Two more fast bowlers will be finalised after the warm-up match.
Where does Pakistan stand in the World Test Championship?
Pakistan currently occupy the bottom position in the World Test Championship cycle, while Sri Lanka are seventh. Both Tests in this series count towards the championship.
