Akhtar unimpressed with Abbas after opening day of first New Zealand Test

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar was disappointed with the way seamer Mohammad Abbas bowled on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand on Saturday.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, 94 not out, was within sight of his 23rd Test century after he rebuilt the home side’s innings and guided them to a solid 222-3 at stumps in Mount Maunganui.

Abbas remained wicketless on the first day but only conceded 25 runs in 21 overs.

“If [Mohammad] Abbas can’t seam the ball, then what’s the point of having him in the side? He needs to bowl fast or seam the ball but right now he is not doing any of those things. Seam bowling is his specialty and he must do that,” said Akhtar on his official YouTube channel.

“We have not taken you [Abbas] to New Zealand for sightseeing. He must understand that,” he added.

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He also stressed on the important of bowling well in the first session of the second day, if Pakistan are to stay in the match.

“Pakistan remained in contention for one session during the first day but then let the match slip away in the next couple of sessions. Now our only chance is to use the new ball tomorrow [second day] and dismiss New Zealand to below a score of 350. Although, I think even that score will cause Pakistan problems. The first hour on day two will be very crucial and Pakistan needs to make a very strong comeback,” he said.