Mohammad Abbas Strikes On English County Debut With Five-Wicket Haul

NOTTINGHAM: Pakistan seamer Mohammad Abbas claimed a five-wicket haul on debut for English county Nottinghamshire against his former side Hampshire in their County Championship clash today (10 May).

The experienced bowler played a key role in ensuring Nottinghamshire held on to a sizeable first-innings lead, having earlier posted 333 all out after electing to bat.

Following Brett Hutton’s early breakthrough, removing Mark Stoneman, Abbas dismissed No.3 Nick Gubbins for a 13-ball duck.

He then tore through the middle order, trapping Tom Prest lbw for 43, bowling Pat Brown, claiming another duck with the wicket of Tony Albert, and completing his five-wicket haul by removing Liam Dawson.

Dawson was caught by Farhan Ahmed—England spinner Rehan Ahmed’s younger brother—who pulled off a spectacular diving catch at cover, stretching fully to his right.

48th five-wicket haul

This marks Abbas’s 48th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket and his first for Nottinghamshire, following his release by Hampshire as their overseas player after last season.

Despite being let go, Abbas’s exceptional Championship record—180 wickets at an average of 19.26 across four seasons—prompted Nottinghamshire to move swiftly for his signature.

Hampshire’s decision to release him was reportedly influenced by the need to recruit an overseas batter to replace James Vince, who had opted for a white-ball only contract.

Abbas, who has featured in 27 Tests for Pakistan, was most recently recalled earlier this year against South Africa, where he claimed his 100th Test wicket during the second match of the series.

Hampshire were eventually dismissed for 196, with Farhan Ahmed wrapping up the innings by removing Kyle Abbott.

Nottinghamshire secured a 137-run lead heading into their second innings, although it began shakily with skipper Haseeb Hameed falling for 8 in the fourth over.