Only Josh Tongue and Mitchell Starc have taken more wickets than Mohammad Abbas in Tests this year. In six Tests this year, Abbas has taken 31 wickets at an impressive average of 21. This tally includes as many as three five-wicket hauls, the joint-most for any bowler since the start of 2026.
Can Abbas get a five-for in Pakistan?
The most recent of his five-fors came at Lord’s. Abbas previously had three four-fers at the venue, none of which were enough to guarantee him a place on the honours board. However, during Pakistan’s recent tour of England, he added the country to his list of five-for performances. Pakistan is among the three countries where Abbas has yet to take a five-for, besides Australia and New Zealand.
A lot of this has to do with the fact that he hasn’t had much game time in these countries. However, the medium pacer is eyeing taking Pakistan out of this list in the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins tomorrow.
“I have been in good form, and I will try to continue performing the same way,” said Abbas while speaking to the media. “I am due a big five-wicket performance in Pakistan, so I will try to get my name on the honours board here as well.”
Practice makes Abbas perfect
The secret to Abbas’ success and consistency has been simple. He practises the format year-round to bring the sort of performances he does. He finished 2025 with most appearances in first-class games and is currently tied at the top with four other players for the same honour this year. Besides playing for Pakistan this year, he rolled his arm over for Derbyshire in county cricket and State Bank of Pakistan in President’s Trophy Grade-I.
“I never give up domestic cricket in Pakistan, whether it is regional or departmental cricket. When there is no cricket in Pakistan, I go and play county cricket. I play around 20 to 25 four-day matches over the course of the year. That is what helps me perform in Test cricket,” he further added.
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