Nottinghamshire signs Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas for 2020 County season

He might have gone for a ‘century’ in the second Test against Australia in Adelaide recently but Mohammad Abbas hasn’t lost the trust yet. English county side Nottinghamshire have secured the services of the fast bowler for the 2020 County Championship. The 29-year-old bowler will play for the Notts in their first nine games of the season after which he is expected to join the Pakistan Test squad that will tour England in July-August next year.

Abbas, who made a comeback to the Test team after 10 months, played in Adelaide but returned wicketless even while conceding 100 runs. He has claimed 66 wickets in 15 Tests at an impressive average of 20 something and that made the Notts harbour high expectations from him.

“He’s a high-calibre player. He came into Test cricket late, but his impact at that level has been fantastic; almost unprecedented actually,” Nottinghamshire head coach Peter Moores was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz after Abbas was signed.

“We also know from what he’s done with Leicestershire that he can perform in English conditions and can excel within a county schedule that can be quite demanding on quick bowlers. He’ll strengthen our bowling considerably, as well as being a mentor for our younger bowlers who can learn a lot from the way he plays the game,” he added.

Mohammad Abbas has done great for Leicestershire earlier this year

Mohammad Abbas has played for Leicestershire this year. In 19 matches, he scalped 79 wickets to give people an idea of his ability to exploit the English conditions. Abbas himself was also looking forward to his stint. “Trent Bridge is a brilliant venue to call home and I can’t wait to join Nottinghamshire next summer,” Abbas said.

“The club is steeped in history and I’m looking forward to giving my all to get them back up into the top division of Championship cricket. I’ve really enjoyed my past couple of summers playing in England and I’m excited for the domestic season to start again in April,” he added. In 103 first-class games, Abbas has 447 wickets to his name at an impressive average of below 21.

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