CENTURION: Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir takes aim at Pakistan's coaching staff, criticising their team selection following Mohammad Abbas' impressive performance in the first Test against South Africa at SuperSport Park on Sunday.
Amir took to social media platform 'X,' where he condemned the decision-making that sidelined Abbas from international cricket for years.
"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," Amir wrote.
Despite Pakistan's narrow two-wicket loss, Abbas' stellar bowling display won widespread praise online.
The 34-year-old pacer finished with remarkable match figures of 7/133, including a game-changing six-wicket haul in South Africa's second innings.
Opening batter Ahmed Shehzad also took to X to commend Abbas' efforts.
"Pakistan lost the 1st Test despite a great fight from Mohammad Abbas," he shared.
Abbas' heroics included dismantling South Africa's middle order on the final day. He dismissed opener Aiden Markram early and removed South Africa's captain and key batsman, Temba Bavuma, to trigger a collapse.
He then struck twice in successive deliveries, claiming the wickets of David Bedingham (14) and debutant Corbin Bosch (0), leaving South Africa reeling at 99/8.
The right-arm pacer's Test record now stands at 97 wickets in 26 matches at an exceptional average of 22.73.
In first-class cricket, Abbas has amassed a staggering 748 wickets, underscoring his prowess in the longer format.
While South Africa’s victory secured their spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, Pakistan's defeat further complicated India’s qualification chances.
The second Test of the series will take place from January 3 to 7 at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, where Pakistan will aim to bounce back.
- Mohammad Amir