Abbas signs off for 2018 in style
Sun 23 Sep 2018
Leicestershire CCC overseas star Muhammad Abbas certainly had the wind in his sails during his final appearance of the 2018 season.
Bowling with a fierce gale blowing over his shoulder for the majority of the second and final day, Abbas blew Durham CCC away with two five wicket hauls to end with the superb match analysis of 10 for 52.
It was a perfect way to sign off his first season with Leicestershire CCC as the Pakistan pace ace will now join up with his international teammates ahead of their series with Australia.
Abbas received his county cap during his last game of the 2018 season, and the gold fox is something that he cherished receiving.
“First of all our batsmen played well to get us to 321 in our first innings [against Durham],” said Abbas. “I played a bit of a lazy shot when I was out [for 0], but I said to our batting coach [John Sadler], ‘Don't worry, I'll try and make up for it by getting man of the match with the ball!’
“The wind was very fierce, incredible, although it was behind me it did not really help too much, it's very difficult to bowl consistently in those conditions, but we managed to bowl in right areas and had success.
“It was an honour for me to receive my Leicestershire cap in this game, and I think it was lucky for me, it helped me take ten wickets, and the guys were very happy, they sang my song.”
Leicestershire CCC Head Coach Paul Nixon acknowledged the contribution that Abbas made during the game and season.
Nixon said: “We'll miss Mo [Muhammad Abbas] against Glamorgan in the coming week, but he has two big Test series coming up and he leaves with our very best wishes. We'll all be watching how he goes this winter.
“It was a world-class display of fast bowling from him [against Durham]. He seamed the ball both ways and threatened both the inside and outside of the bat. Taking 50 wickets at under 18 in your first season in county cricket is a great achievement.”
* Leicestershire CCC’s final Specsavers County Championship game is against Glamorgan CCC tomorrow. Follow the latest from the game on our social media channels @leicsccc
