Pakistan rely on Mohammad Abbas for England Test series

Pakistan’s three‑Test tour of England, scheduled to begin next week, will feature only one member of the fast‑bowling trio that toured the country in the Covid‑bubble summer of 2020. Mohammad Abbas, the 30‑year‑old medium‑fast bowler, is the sole survivor of the group that also included 20‑year‑old Shaheen Shah Afridi and 17‑year‑old Naseem Shah. Abbas, a first‑class specialist, has remained a consistent performer for Pakistan, whereas Shaheen’s effectiveness has been hampered by a knee injury sustained in 2022 and Naseem’s promising start has been curtailed by inconsistent form and the Pakistan Cricket Board’s management issues.

The 2020 tour showcased a youthful Pakistani attack that echoed the legacy of the nation’s fast‑bowling greats, from Imran Khan to Waqar Younis. Shaheen and Naseem were hailed as future stars, with Naseem already boasting a Test hat‑trick and a blistering 90‑mph delivery. However, over the past six years both bowlers have struggled to maintain the same level of impact, with Shaheen’s red‑ball performance dipping and Naseem’s opportunities limited by selection and injury concerns. In contrast, Abbas has proven resilient, consistently delivering in domestic and international matches, earning him a place in the England squad.

As Pakistan prepares to face England’s red‑ball conditions, the decision to field Abbas as the only member of the original trio underscores a shift in strategy. The team will now rely on Abbas’s experience and control to anchor the attack, while the younger bowlers await a return to form. The series will test Pakistan’s ability to adapt and the effectiveness of its fast‑bowling core in the face of England’s challenging pitches.