Veteran fast bowler Mohammad Abbas is targeting a maiden five-wicket haul on home soil as Pakistan prepare for their two-Test series against Sri Lanka, hoping to add a missing milestone to an otherwise impressive Test career.

Speaking on the sidelines of the team’s practice session at the Islamabad Club on Saturday, Abbas expressed satisfaction with his current form and vowed to maintain his consistency.

“I thank Allah that I am in form and will try to continue it. I owe a big performance — a five-wicket haul — in Pakistan, so I will try to get my name on the board here as well,” he said.

Since making his Test debut in 2017, Abbas has taken more than 110 wickets at an average in the low 20s, including several five-wicket hauls. His career-best figures of 6 for 54 came against Australia in the UAE in 2018, when he also registered a match haul of 10 for 95.

Earlier this year, he claimed 5 for 57 at Lord’s and finished with match figures of 9 for 127. However, despite his success overseas, Abbas is yet to take five wickets in an innings on Pakistani soil, with his best return at home remaining four wickets.

The 36-year-old credited his consistency to regular exposure to red-ball cricket, saying his participation in regional and departmental competitions, alongside stints in English county cricket, had helped him maintain his rhythm.

He said he managed to get around 20 to 25 days of competitive cricket almost every year, adding that regular participation in longer-format matches was crucial to his Test performances.

Pakistan’s preparations for the series are progressing well, with the opening Test scheduled to be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 9 to 13, followed by the second match at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from November 17 to 21.

Both matches are part of the World Test Championship cycle, in which Pakistan currently occupy the bottom position, while Sri Lanka are seventh.

“Practice is going very well. A practice match has also taken place. Every boy is in match practice, which is very good for Test cricket and for Pakistan,” Abbas said.

He also welcomed the inclusion of young players in Babar Azam’s 14-member squad, which features several uncapped or relatively inexperienced players, including Mohammad Taha, Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Suleman and all-rounder Razaullah.

Two additional fast bowlers are expected to be finalised following the warm-up match.

Abbas described the inclusion of youngsters as a positive step, saying the opportunity would allow them to demonstrate their abilities and establish themselves at the highest level.

“This team has quite a few youngsters. The cricket board and management have decided that youngsters should be given a chance. It is a big opportunity for them to show their skills and secure their place for the future. This is a good sign,” he said.

He was particularly impressed with Razaullah, who made an impact on his debut against England at Edgbaston, claiming four wickets before smashing a rapid 81, including nine sixes.

“Razaullah is a very good prospect for Pakistan. He joined us in England and last year he also played against me in departmental cricket. We have had good discussions; he talks and tries to learn. Hopefully he will be good for Pakistan and together, Inshallah, we will try to make Pakistan win,” Abbas said.

The experienced pacer, however, warned against underestimating Sri Lanka, stressing that performances on the day and the ability to adapt to conditions would determine the outcome.

“Every team is good. It depends on how the opposing team is playing, how good a combination has formed in our own team, and how well we assess and perform on the day. No team is easy. Every match and every day is very important. Our effort will be to assess the conditions and play good cricket accordingly,” he said.

Although he has yet to inspect the Rawalpindi surface, Abbas believes Pakistani pitches generally offer assistance to fast bowlers. He added that assessing conditions quickly and sharing his experience with younger teammates would be important.

“Mostly the pitches here help fast bowlers. But every match has different pitches, different conditions and a different opposition. We will assess whatever comes as soon as possible. I will share my experience with the youngsters and then take the match forward with them, Inshallah,” he said.

Pakistan enjoy a 23-17 advantage over Sri Lanka in their 59 previous Test meetings, with 19 matches ending in draws. The hosts will be hoping to build on that record as they begin the series in Rawalpindi, while Abbas will have an opportunity to achieve a personal milestone and help Pakistan strengthen their position in the World Test Championship.