Abbas eyes player-of-the-series award as Fakhar thanks Mickey Arthur

Denzil Pinto 19:36 17/10/2018
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  • Five-star Abbas

    Mohammad Abbas has set his sights on winning the man of the series award after his five-wicket haul put Pakistan in the driving seat in the second Test against Australia.

    The medium-pacer claimed three wickets on Wednesday to finish with 5-33 after taking two on Tuesday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. It means the 28-year-old has 12 wickets in the two-match series after taking seven in last week’s drawn Test in Dubai.

    He will be aiming to add to that tally when the Australians bat again in what will be a mammoth chase given that Pakistan closed play with a 281-run lead.

    “I got five wickets so the aim is to be man of the series in this one as well after being player of the series in the England series in May,” said Abbas, who took 10 wickets against Joe Root’s side.

    “I got 50 wickets in the country season as well (for Leicestershire) and I focused on my basics.”

    Abbas revealed he was worried about playing in Abu Dhabi after suffering pain in his neck prior to the match.

    “I want to give credit to the physio (Cliff Deacon) for helping me play this Test as I developed pain in my neck while practicing before the toss so I was a bit worried. But he told me that its nothing serious so I was happy with this performance.”

    FAKHAR THANKS ARTHUR

    Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman has thanked Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur for showing faith in him.

    Zaman was drafted into the squad for the second Test after opener Imam-ul-Haq injured his finger while fielding on the final day of the first Test in Dubai.

    The 28-year-old made an instant impact, scoring 94 on Monday before hitting 66 in the second innings on Tuesday.

    Zaman was part of the touring party that traveled to England in May and said that preparation as well as Arthur’s assistance helped him settle quickly.

    “The credit to take me in the Test squad goes to coach Mickey Arthur,” said the 28-year-old. “He took me to England as well and told me we are taking you as an extra player. He said ‘We might not play you but I want to make you ready’. I also wanted to go and play domestic matches but he insisted on me being there with the team.

    “Unfortunately Imam got injured and I got the chance. But you have to understand that we all come up playing first-class matches and the work that we do at National Cricket Academy is also keeping in mind the Tests. Mickey was working on my technique all the while to get me ready.”

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