Despite only enjoying a short Test career thus far, Abbas’ stats are astonishing. In 10 Tests, he has taken 59 wickets at 15.64. His first-class stats are not bad either, with 394 scalps at 19.83. His Test average is currently the fourth-best of all time among those who have managed 50 wickets in Test cricket. England’s George Lohmann tops the list, with 112 wickets at 10.75 between 1886 and 1896.

As a result, the 28-year-old is already being talked about as the best red-ball bowler on the planet. An overview of his stats is revealing enough, but what is perhaps more impressive is how and where he has taken his wickets. He has prospered in favourable bowling conditions in England and Ireland but his success in the UAE, often considered a graveyard for fast bowlers, proves that Abbas does not need conditions in his favour for him to pose a considerable threat.

“He (Abbas) is incredibly disciplined,” Australia captain Tim Paine told Wisden.com after the second Test against Pakistan. “He challenges your front-foot defence every ball, makes the batter make a decision, forward or back, and you don’t know whether to play or leave. He just does not miss a good area and he has you constantly under pressure. So, when you are facing guys like that, it can be difficult.”

Paine is not wrong but it is easy to perhaps overhype such a bowler. Despite his sensational stats, Abbas is still relatively inexperienced in Tests and is yet to test his skills over a long period of time. Many bowlers have enjoyed strong starts to their Test careers and have faded away, and Abbas’ task now is to maintain the high level of success and consistency he has achieved so far.

And yet, despite the risk of hyperbole, Abbas’ development will be fascinating for Pakistan fans and neutrals alike, for if he maintains his form for even just 10 more Tests, he could boast the most devastating start to a Test career ever.

For now, we must sit back and appreciate the supreme skill on show whenever Abbas takes the ball. This is a bowler at the very top of his game and one who is destroying everything in front of him at a record rate.