Mohammad Abbas Admits Pakistan Are Playing Bad Cricket After Lord’s Defeat

Mohammad Abbas has openly acknowledged that Pakistan are going through a difficult period in Test Cricket, admitting that the team’s recent performances have become a major concern for everyone involved.

Pakistan suffered a heavy 194-run defeat against England in the second Test at Lord’s on Sunday. The result followed a disappointing loss at Headingley in the series opener, leaving Pakistan without a win from the first two Tests.

Mohammad Abbas admits Pakistan are struggling

Abbas had an excellent individual performance at Lord’s, claiming nine wickets in the match. However, the experienced fast bowler stressed that personal statistics mean little when the team is unable to secure victories.

Speaking after the defeat, Abbas admitted that Pakistan’s problems extend across batting, bowling and fielding.

“Our performance is a concern for everyone. Everyone is worried, including the selection committee and the NCA. We’re not doing well; we accept that. We’re not batting, bowling or fielding well, and we discuss this all the time in meetings. We’re all working on it, and we need to, too,” Abbas said.

Dropped catches cost Pakistan at Lord’s

Abbas also highlighted Pakistan’s fielding problems as one of the major reasons behind their defeat at Lord’s.

The Pakistan pacer believed the team had opportunities to restrict England to a much lower total but failed to capitalise because of missed chances.

“We dropped catches, and their key players scored 70-odd extra runs. That’s where the match changed because we could have bowled them out for 200. It’s disappointing,” he said.

The missed chances proved particularly costly because England were able to build important partnerships and establish control over the Test.

Abbas frustrated despite nine wickets

Abbas’ nine-wicket haul was one of the few positives for Pakistan at Lord’s. Nevertheless, the 36-year-old made it clear that individual success cannot compensate for repeated team defeats.

He has continued to produce strong performances since returning to international cricket in December 2024 after an absence of more than three years.

In seven Tests since his return, Abbas has taken 38 wickets, underlining his importance to Pakistan’s bowling attack.

“Individual performances are important, but I try to perform to help the team win. It’s been many matches that I’ve been performing, but the team hasn’t won,” Abbas said.

Pakistan’s bowling attack still needs experience

Abbas also defended Pakistan’s fast bowlers, explaining that several members of the current attack are still relatively inexperienced in Test cricket.

He pointed to the different bowling combinations Pakistan have used during their recent tours and said the players are continuing to adapt.

“Experience is very important in Test cricket. I’ve played 32 Test matches, but the fast bowlers playing with me are very new to Test cricket. But everybody is trying to improve,” he said.

Pakistan had earlier played Test cricket in the West Indies and Bangladesh during the year. Abbas claimed five-wicket hauls on both tours, although Pakistan struggled to consistently turn individual performances into team victories.

Abbas focuses on what he can control

The veteran pacer also discussed his own career and selection. Abbas said he has continued to concentrate on performing at the domestic and county levels whenever he has been outside the national team.

He emphasised that selection decisions are outside his control and that his responsibility is to perform whenever he gets an opportunity.

“What was in my hands, I did. I played domestic cricket in Pakistan and county cricket. What was in my hands, I did, and the management at the time did what they thought was best. It’s not in my control whether I get selected,” he said.

Pakistan need a response in the final Test

Pakistan now have one final opportunity to avoid a series defeat when they face England in the third and final Test at Edgbaston from September 9.

The team will need improvements in all three departments after Abbas admitted that the side has not performed well enough with the bat, ball or in the field.

For Abbas, the immediate priority is clear: individual performances must ultimately contribute to team success. Pakistan’s challenge will be to turn the lessons from the first two Tests into a stronger all-round performance at Edgbaston.