Pakistan’s experienced pacer Mohammad Abbas breaks record, achieves career milestone during the second Test against England at Lords.
The landmark came in Abbas’ 222nd first-class appearance, underlining his consistency and longevity in red-ball cricket.
However, Abbas was not finished after reaching the milestone. The right-arm seamer continued to trouble England’s batters and finished the innings with impressive figures of 4 for 56 from 15 overs, including three maidens.
With four wickets in the Test, Abbas took his first-class tally to 902 wickets. His record includes 57 five-wicket hauls, while he has maintained an outstanding bowling average of just over 20.
Abbas joins elite first-class company
The achievement places Abbas fifth among the leading first-class wicket-takers of the 21st century.
The top five are:
- James Anderson (England) — 1,181 wickets
- Simon Harmer (South Africa) — 1,056
- Malinda Pushpakumara (Sri Lanka) — 1,010
- Tim Murtagh (Ireland) — 959
- Mohammad Abbas (Pakistan) — 902*
Abbas has built much of his international career around Test cricket, where his accuracy, movement and ability to consistently bowl in the right areas have made him a valuable member of Pakistan’s bowling attack.
The pacer has represented Pakistan in 32 Tests, claiming 123 wickets at an impressive average of 22.84, including seven five-wicket hauls.
In contrast, Abbas has had limited opportunities in white-ball cricket. He has played only three ODIs for Pakistan, taking one wicket, and has never represented the national side in a T20I.
His latest achievement at the historic Lord’s ground adds another memorable chapter to an already impressive first-class career, with Abbas continuing to make an impact against England in the Test match.
Earlier, Mohammad Abbas, Pakistan fast bowler, had his finest day in the first Test with the West Indies on the third day.
He reached two great milestones and further established his status as one of the most promising red-ball bowlers of the country.
Abbas took three wickets in the first innings of the West Indies’ match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy and then struck again in the second innings.
He was quick to dismiss King (3) and Hodge (2) in his third over, putting pressure on the hosts immediately, and helping Pakistan stay in the game.
Due to these wickets, Abbas’ test average dropped to 22.69, and he became the Pakistan fast bowler with the best bowling average among bowlers with 100-plus wickets in the format.
He did that with a career bowling average of 18.79, which beat the career record of former Pakistan captain Imran Khan with 22.81.
Also read: Mohammad Abbas rocks West Indies after Shan Masood’s century