Mohammad Abbas Bags Fifer At Lord's, Enters History Books With Prolific Record

Mohammad Abbas registered a five-wicket haul at Lord's [Source: AFP]

In a phenomenal achievement, experienced pacer Mohammad Abbas became the oldest Pakistani bowler to bag a five-wicket haul in Tests at Lord's Cricket Ground. The 36-year-old attained the remarkable feat during the second Test between Pakistan and England. 

After dismissing Pakistan for 110 runs in the first innings, England had a shaky start to their second innings, with Khurram Shahzad getting rid of Ben Duckett and Jordan Cox in quick succession. Mohammad Abbas later joined the party, as his five-wicket haul dismantled the home team, restricting them to 208 in the second innings. 

Mohammad Abbas becomes oldest Pakistani to register a Test fifer at Lord's

Mohammad Abbas looked in great rhythm in the first innings of the Lord's Test, picking four crucial wickets for the Pakistani side. He extended his dream run in the match, adding five more wickets to his tally in his next outing. 

Abbas began his onslaught by dismissing the well-set Emilio Gay in the 24th over. He got rid of Harry Brook at a crucial juncture before making Jamie Smith, Dan Lawrence and Ollie Robinson fall into his trap. 

Thus, Abbas completed a sensational five-wicket haul, his eighth in Tests and first-ever at the Lord's Cricket Ground. The 36-year-old veteran became the oldest bowler from Pakistan to take a fifer at the Mecca of Cricket, surpassing Yasir Shah, who accomplished the milestone aged 30. 

Pakistan players to bag a Test fifer at Lord's

• Mohammad Abbas- 36 years, 2026
• Yasir Shah- 30 years, 2016
• Khan Mohammad- 26 years, 1954
• Mushtaq Ahmed- 26 years, 1996
• Mudassar Nazar- 26 years, 1982
• Waqar Younis- 21 years, 1992
• Mohammad Amir- 18 years, 2010

As mentioned above, seven Pakistan bowlers have their names in the Lord's honours board as far as Test cricket is concerned. Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali are the other Pakistani bowlers who have a five-wicket haul at the Home of Cricket, albeit in the ODI format. 

So, technically, Mohammad Abbas is also the oldest player from Pakistan to bag a five-wicket haul at Lord's across formats. 

Who are the oldest visiting players to take Test fifers at Lord's?

While Mohammad Abbas etched his name in the Lord's honours board aged 36, former South African fast bowler Geoffrey Chubb holds the record for the oldest visiting bowler to record a Test fifer the the venue. 

He unlocked the feat way back in 1951 when he bagged five wickets against England at the age of 40. Here is the list of oldest players to take a Test fifer at Lord's Cricket Ground. 

• Geoffrey Chubb (South Africa)- 40 years, 1951
• Robert Holland (Australia)- 39 years, 1985
• Clarence Grimmett (Australia)- 38 years, 1930
• Tim Murtagh (Ireland)- 37 years, 2019
• Courtney Walsh (West Indies)- 37 years, 2000
• Keith Miller (Australia)- 36 years, 1956
• Mohammad Abbas (Pakistan)- 36 years, 2026

Mohammad Abbas proves age is just a number

Notably, Mohammad Abbas made his Test debut aged 27 after doing the hard yards in the domestic circuit. Despite being a medium pacer, Abbas has remained one of Pakistan's most effective Test bowlers, courtesy of his accuracy and ability to generate seam movement off the deck. 

At 36, Abbas has emerged as Pakistan's wrecker-in-chief with the ball on the England tour. His experience of playing the County Championship for several teams has paid rich dividends for Abbas, setting him apart from his teammates. 

Overall, Mohammad Abbas has bagged 10 wickets, the most by a Pakistani bowler in the England Tests. He has registered the best bowling average from the tourists' camp so far, proving his mettle as a rare shining light for Pakistan in an otherwise forgettable series. 

Thus, Mohammad Abbas has proved that age is just a number, elevating his stature as a clinical performer in Test cricket. 

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