Mohammad Abbas, the medium-fast bowler, is set to be a key figure in Pakistan's seam attack for their three-Test series against England, which begins next week. At 36, Abbas is the only member of the 2020 Test tour's seam trio, which included Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, to be named in the current squad.
Abbas boasts a strong record in English county cricket, having taken 302 wickets at an average of 20.64 across his time with Leicestershire, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, and Derbyshire. His Test record for Pakistan is also impressive, with 118 wickets at an average of 22.38.
Despite his proven ability to take wickets, Abbas has only played 30 Tests over a nine-year career. Coaches Peter Moores and Mickey Arthur have praised his precision and control, with Arthur describing him as "almost like a surgeon in the way he works with that seam."
Pakistan's recent home strategy has leaned heavily on spin, with a 2-1 series victory against England in October 2024 built on turning pitches. However, with the upcoming series in England, the team will likely rely on Abbas's disciplined line and length, alongside other seamers like Mohammad Ali and Ubaid Shah.