Mohammad Abbas vs. Mohammad Amir: Comparing Two Promising Fast Bowlers

The question of whether Mohammad Abbas is a better fast bowler than Mohammad Amir is a complex one, given the unique talents and past experiences of these two. In this article, we will explore their abilities and compare them based on various factors that define a great fast bowler.

Introduction and Background

Both Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Amir have had their fair share of excitement and controversy in the world of cricket. While Amir's career was interrupted by a period of suspension and the challenges of overcoming personal hurdles, Abbas has steadily built his name as a reliable and effective bowler.

Basic Abilities and Playing Style

When considering the basic abilities of these two fast bowlers, it's difficult to make a definitive statement, especially since we have not yet seen Abbas in limited-overs formats. However, Amir has an edge due to his pace and ability to bowl bouncers and yorkers, which in my opinion, are difficult for someone like Abbas. Amir's natural talent was evident, especially in his early performances in the Twenty20 World Cup in England, where he demonstrated his potential to be the next Wasim Akram.

Psychological Impact on Mohammad Amir

Mohammad Amir's career was significantly affected by the psychological damage of his match-fixing arrest and subsequent imprisonment. The psychological impact has blunted his true potential, and while he is still a very good bowler, it is uncertain if he can reach the heights he once seemed destined for. Angelo Dundee, a renowned boxing trainer, once said of Muhammad Ali, "we never saw the best of Ali," referring to a period in his career when he was unable to perform at his peak. Similarly, I feel the same about Mohammad Amir, despite his early promise.

Performance Analysis

While Abbas has steadily built his reputation, his test performance against Australia, where he took 10 wickets in a test match, over 100 years in the making, is a significant achievement. However, it is not yet clear whether Abbas can live up to this performance in various conditions. Conversely, Amir demonstrated his skills in seaming conditions during the 2010 test series against Australia and England in England, which gave a glimpse of his talent. His ability to bowl consistently and bowl out top-order batsmen like Steve Smith and Mitchell Johnson is a testament to his skill.

Future Prospects and Comparisons

To truly compare Abbas and Amir, more consistent performances in ODI and T20I formats are needed. If Abbas continues to perform at his best in test matches, it might be reasonable to say he is ahead of Amir. However, Amir's natural talent and his raw potential before his career was derailed make him an intriguing comparison. Right now, it is too early to make a definitive comparison, but both players have the potential to be great bowlers.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Whether Mohammad Abbas or Mohammad Amir is a better fast bowler is subjective and dependent on various factors. Abbas has demonstrated a high level of skill and consistency in test matches, while Amir's raw talent and early performances in the international arena cannot be ignored. Their performances in future matches and formats will ultimately determine who is the superior fast bowler. Both players have the potential to be great, but the road ahead for Abbas is well-traveled, while Amir's path has been more tumultuous.

Keywords

Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Amir, Fast Bowling