ISLAMABAD: Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg believes fast bowler Mohammad Abbas would be the leading wicket-taker on Pakistan’s upcoming tour of England which is scheduled for August.

Hogg, the slow left-arm chinaman bowler, in a tweet on Tuesday made a bold prediction claiming that right-armer Abbas would be the leading wicket-taker on the said tour during which Azhar Ali-captained Pakistan will play three Tests against England.

The 49-year-old made this prediction while responding to a tweet about a possible playing XI for Pakistan against England on their home turf.

“Abbas leading wicket-taker for the tour. #Cricket #PCB #Abbas,” Hogg tweeted as quo­ted by cricketpakistan.com.pk.

Abbas has been a revelation for Pakistan in Test cricket picking up 75 wickets in just 18 matches with an extraordinary average of 20.8. His significance was further enhanced after the early Test retirements of fast bowlers Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz.

Abbas now heads a relatively green yet talented bowling line-up that is tasked to take on the world.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2020