Abbas eyes five-for in Pindi Test

Seasoned pacer hopes to carry domestic form into first Test against Sri Lanka

KARACHI:

Pakistan's experienced Test fast bowler Mohammad Abbas is hoping to carry his good form into the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, saying he is targeting a five-wicket haul at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

"I am thankful to Allah that I am in good form. I will try to continue it," Abbas told reporters on the sidelines of Pakistan's training session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

"Taking five wickets in an innings is due here, and I will try to get my name on the honour board," he added.

Abbas has not claimed any five-wicket haul in Pakistan in his career during which he mostly played off-shore.

Abbas credited his continued involvement in domestic cricket for helping him maintain his performance in the longest format, saying regular four-day cricket had played a significant role in his development.

"I don't leave domestic cricket in Pakistan, whether it is regional or departmental cricket. When there is no cricket in Pakistan, I play county cricket. I get 20-25 four-day games in a year, and it helps me perform in Test cricket," Abbas said.

He said preparations for the series were progressing well, with players benefiting from regular match practice, while also identifying young fast bowler Razaullah as a promising prospect.

"The practice is going very well. Every boy is in match practice, which is very good for Test cricket and Pakistan. Razaullah is a very good prospect for Pakistan," he said.

"Razaullah joined in England and last year he played against me in departmental cricket. We had a good discussion, and he speaks well and tries to learn. Hopefully, it will be good for Pakistan. Together, we will try to make Pakistan win."

Asked about the challenge posed by Sri Lanka, Abbas said Pakistan would assess the opposition and playing conditions before deciding on their approach.

"Every team is good. It depends on how the opposition is playing and how good is the combination of our team. On the day, we will assess and perform well. No team is easy.”

"Every match and every day is very important. We will try to assess the conditions and play good cricket accordingly," he said.

Abbas also backed the younger players in the squad, saying the opportunity to represent Pakistan would allow them to demonstrate their abilities and establish themselves at international level.

"This team has a lot of youngsters. The management has given the chance to the youngsters. They have a good opportunity to show their skills and cement their place in the team. This is a good sign. All juniors who have performed in Under-19 and domestic cricket are getting a chance," he said.

The experienced pacer said they had yet to inspect the pitch for the opening Test, which begins on November 9, and would make their assessment closer to the match.

"The pitch helps fast bowlers. There are different pitches in every match. There are different kinds of players. There are different conditions and opposition. We will assess the conditions. I will share my experience with the youngsters as soon as possible. We will play the match accordingly," Abbas signed off.