The former Pakistan quick, who retired for a second time recently, has criticised Pakistan’s team selection following Abbas' impressive performance in the first Test against South Africa. Though the Proteas won by two wickets, Abbas’ bowling stood out as he brought Pakistan back into the game.

The right-arm seamer bowled an unchanged 19.3-over spell in the second innings, bowling half of the 39.3 overs Pakistan sent down, ending with career-best figures of 6-54. Having dismissed Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs on Saturday, Abbas accounted for the wickets of Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma early on day four. He also sent back David Bedingham and Corbin Bosch in successive deliveries, as South Africa fell from 96-4 to 99-8.

Abbas, who has taken 748 first-class wickets in 186 games at an average of 20.62, was making a comeback into the Test team after nearly three years. His last appearance for Pakistan was in August 2021 against the West Indies. He had made his Test debut in 2017, playing 25 games over the next four years, picking up 90 scalps at an average of 23.02 before being sidelined.

Amir took to Twitter (now X) to condemn the decision to sideline Abbas for three years: “Bring those coaches forward who dropped Abbas because of his lack of pace. Because of them, it took Abbas three years to make a comeback. [His performance is] A slap in their faces.”

Abbas also took one wicket in the first innings against South Africa, ending with match figures of 7-133. His second innings showing was also the best performance by a Pakistan seamer in South Africa.

South Africa became the first team to qualify for the 2023-25 World Test Championship final, which will be played in June at Lord’s. The second Pakistan-South Africa Test will be played on January 3 in Cape Town.

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