Pakistan legend Shahid Afridi has sung the praises of Mohammad Abbas after the accurate paceman picked up two wickets late on the first day of the second Test against Australia in Abu Dhabi.

Australia were on top after rolling the hosts for 282 but with just seven overs to survive till stumps Abbas struck twice, removing dangerman Usman Khawaja, caught by captain-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed down the leg-side for three, and night watchman Peter Siddle lbw.

The 28-year-old’s double brought his tally to 51 wickets in just his 10th Test equaling the great Waqar Younis for the record of the quickest Pakistan fast bowler to reach 50 Test wickets.

“I think especially for a fast bowler in this type of situation where you have a perfect batting track it’s a great achievement I must say,” said Afridi, where he is set to be a marquee player in the inaugural T20X in December-January.

“When I saw him (Abbas) first I thought he’s maybe a bowler who can bowl well in English conditions but he really surprised us, especially in these conditions he really bowled very well.”

Afridi also praised Sarfraz, who apart from his spectacular leg-side grab to dismiss Khawaja, scored a fighting 94 to rescue Pakistan after they were struggling at 57-5.

“The keeper and the captain should set the example and he (Sarfraz) really did well in this innings where he needed some runs as well. Good to see that he scored,” said Afridi.

Afridi, a leg spinner as well as a big hitting batsmen, predicted that fellow Pakistan leggie Yasir Shah would play an important role in the Test.

“Bowlers need confidence and you take confidence with a wicket,” said Afridi. “He’s struggling to get some wickets. (But) whenever he gets three or four wickets he will become confident again.

“I think he’s (Yasir) a good bowler, he’s a key bowler. It’s surprising for me that he’s not taking wickets on a spinning track.

“But I’m very confident that he is going to bowl well in this innings.”