Amir Slams Selectors for Overlooking Abbas After His Standout Performance

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has taken to social media to criticize the coaching staff’s decision-making regarding team selection, especially following the standout performance by Mohammad Abbas in the first Test against South Africa at SuperSport Park on Sunday.

Mohammad Amir’s comments have sparked debate over the treatment of Mohammad Abbas, who was sidelined from international cricket for nearly three years.

Mohammad Amir, in a post on the social media platform X, expressed his displeasure over the coaching staff’s decision to drop Mohammad Abbas based on his perceived lack of pace. He didn’t hold back, stating:

Bring those coaches forward who dropped Abbas because of his pace. It took Abbas three years to make a comeback—a slap in their faces.

Abbas’ return to the national side was nothing short of spectacular, as he delivered a match-best performance, taking 7 wickets for 133 runs. His efforts were pivotal in Pakistan’s cause despite a narrow two-wicket loss to South Africa and demonstrated his class and skill despite years of exclusion.

The 34-year-old pacer produced a remarkable performance in his return to international Test cricket. Abbas finished with match figures of 7/133, including a game-changing 6-wicket haul in South Africa’s second innings. 

Abbas’ wickets included the prized scalp of Bavuma, a key figure in South Africa’s batting lineup, which led to a dramatic collapse. He followed up by removing David Bedingham (14) and debutant Corbin Bosch (0) in successive deliveries, reducing South Africa to a precarious 99/8 before a late rescue act by Marco Jensen and Kagiso Rabada.

With 97 wickets in 26 Tests, Abbas continues to impress with an outstanding average of 22.73, a testament to his skill and consistency in the longest format. His exploits in first-class cricket are also noteworthy, with a staggering 748 wickets to his name, underlining his dominance in red-ball cricket.

Pakistan and Abbas will now look to bounce back in the second Test of the series, set to take place from January 3 to 7 at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town. Abbas’ performance has certainly raised the stakes, and all eyes will be on the team as they aim to level the series and restore pride.