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NOTTINGHAM: Nottinghamshire CCC head coach Peter Moores has expressed his excitement over the signing of experienced Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Abbas for this year’s county championship, calling him a player who \u201cbrings consistency, control, and a deep love for the game\u201d.<\/p>\n
Speaking to Geo News at Trent Bridge Nottingham, Peter Moores lauded Abbas\u2019s ability to bowl economical spells, swinging the balls rather way on all types of tracks.<\/p>\n
\u201cMohammad Abbas is a very good new-ball bowler who creates a lot of pressure and gives you control in the game. That\u2019s the role he knows really well, and I\u2019m looking forward to getting him going,\u201d<\/p>\n
Abbas, 34, will play for Nottinghamshire in six county championship matches in division one. He is set to join Notts in May as part of their red ball squad for three championship games and will return to Trent Bridge again in September for three more matches at the closing stage of the championship.<\/p>\n
He said the club had been tracking Abbas for several years, even coming close to signing him earlier. \u201cMo has got lots of qualities, and I think we\u2019ve watched him in county cricket over several years now. He\u2019s always bowled well against us,\u201d Moores said. \u201cIt\u2019s actually funny \u2013 we identified him a few years ago and nearly signed him, but it didn\u2019t come off. So for Abbas to finally get to Trent Bridge and play for us is exciting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Abbas, known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and maintain tight lines, is seen as a direct replacement for Aussie pacer Fergus O\u2019Neill, who is set to leave after Nottinghamshire\u2019s fourth game of the season.<\/p>\n
Abbas has represented Pakistan in 27 test matches claiming exactly 100 wickets. In December 2024 he was recalled to the national duties for the tour of South Africa after a gap of three years. In the two-match series, he grabbed 10 wickets including 6\/54 in the first test.<\/p>\n
Beyond his on-field contributions, Moores emphasised Abbas\u2019s experience and character as key assets. \u201cAnybody with that sort of international experience offers a lot. Every time I\u2019ve spoken to him, he\u2019s shown he\u2019s a real student of the game and he loves it. Players like him not only have great experience, but they\u2019re often happy to share that knowledge with others \u2014 and that\u2019s something we\u2019re definitely looking forward to.\u201d<\/p>\n
Abbas, who last played a Test for Pakistan in March, is currently preparing for his stint with Nottinghamshire and is expected to join the squad in the first week of May.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s already training, doing his stuff, and getting ready,\u201d said Moores. \u201cHe\u2019ll have about a week or so with us before he gets going. Interestingly, his first game will be against his old county, Hampshire \u2014 so that\u2019ll be a tasty one.\u201d<\/p>\n
When asked about the long-term possibilities, Moores remained open. \u201cThere\u2019s always potential. You try to build relationships with good players who can return and become part of the club. It\u2019s not just about individual talent, but about creating strong team spirit \u2014 and Mo ticks all those boxes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Earlier, Abbas signed for Nottinghamshire CCC for the 2020 season but due to the COVID pandemic was unable to play for them and following year with the COVID travel restrictions eased he was snapped by Hampshire CCC where he stayed for the following four seasons.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n