Imam issues Abbas warning as pink-ball Test looms

Pakistan’s opener Imamul Haq, in a press conference, has issued a warning for Australia to be wary of fast-bowler Mohammad Abbas, who is likely to be a part of the Men in Green’s side for the second and last Test against the Aussies at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide on Friday.

The opener revealed that the opposition batsmen would find it difficult to navigate the spells bowled by Abbas due to his ability of nipping the ball around.

"Whether it’s white ball or whether its red ball I always have difficulty facing him. He’s very difficult to judge off the pitch, his ball nips around, especially the new ball so I guess Mohammad Abbas with the pink ball under lights will be difficult,” said Imam. “He’s bowling very well in the nets and he’s very fit.”

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Imam was hopeful of a better showing from the Men in Green while expressing confidence in the batting lineup to deliver in Adelaide.

“The Adelaide wicket is slightly different than Brisbane and its good for batsmen as well and it has a little bit of help for the spinners. Our batsmen are very confident, we did good in the practice matches as well and you always work hard in the nets to prepare for the worst and that’s what our batting unit was doing and Insha Allah (hopefully) it will be a different result,” he said.

The opener was unsure if he would be a part of the team for the second Test but claimed that he was ready and prepared for the challenge.

“I’m not sure. As a cricket player, as part of the 15-player squad you have to be mentally ready. You have to be ready all the time and I want to work very hard in the nets and whenever you get your chance you should be ready,” he said.

Imam revealed that the contest between leg-spinner Yasir Shah and batsman Steve Smith would be exciting because of the skills of the players involved.

“That’s the beauty of Test cricket you know. Yasir Shah is a world class bowler and Steve Smith is the number one batsman. So it’s a very good, healthy competition between the two sides and that’s what Test cricket is all about and it’s what the crowds want to see. And in the next Test match Steve Smith will come hard against Yasir Shah and Yasir Shah is a very cool customer and he’s very mentally strong as well so it will be a good competition,” he concluded.