Abbas praised in Aussie rout

Abu Dhabi – Rival captains Sarfraz Ahmed and Tim Paine were unanimous in their praise of wicket-taking sensation Mohammad Abbas (above), who helped Pakistan thrash Australia in the second and final Test in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

The 28-year-old seamer took 5/62 as Australia, set a colossal 538 to win, were bowled out for 164 on the fourth afternoon in their worst-ever defeat against Pakistan, losing by 373 runs at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Abbas finished with 10/95 for the match after taking 5/33 in the first innings, ending up as manof-the-series with 17 wickets in two Tests.

Sarfraz claimed Australia weren’t ready for Abbas, who was also named Man-of-the-Series on Pakistan’s trip to England earlier this year.

“Looks like they hadn’t prepared for Abbas, they took him a little easy,” said Sarfraz.

Australia entered the two-Test series focused on the threat of leg-spinner Yasir Shah, although he managed just eight wickets.

“But credit goes to Abbas, because the pitch is not suitable for fast bowlers,” said Sarfraz.

“The way he bowled, he was the best bowler on either side. The way he bowled throughout he was the main factor for us winning the series.”

Abbas took seven wickets in the first Test which Australia drew after a superb fightback on the fifth day in Dubai. –