Mohammad Abbas rattled Alex Davies’ off stump with a mesmerising delivery on the opening day of Hampshire’s key County Championship clash with Lancashire at Aigburth.

Both sides entered the final round of Championship fixtures firmly in the race to win the title – Hampshire began the match at the top of Division One with 58.5 points, while Lancashire were third with 54.5 points.

After Lancashire chose to bowl first, Hampshire were bowled out for 143 on day one, but the visitors hit back quickly with the ball. Abbas removed Davies in just his third over, getting the ball to angle in to the right-hander before nipping away to rattle off stump.

The delivery sent Davies on his way for 4, with Keith Barker accounting for Luke Wells less than three overs later. Abbas also accounted for George Balderson as Lancashire were reduced to 15-3 inside 14 overs.

Watch Abbas’ away-nipping beauty to Alex Davies

Mohammad Abbas with a beauty!#CountyCricket2021pic.twitter.com/VFfBj869SU

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) September 21, 2021