ABU DHABI: Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas said Saturday it was quite difficult to obtain wickets at present since the conditions "are too grinding for bowlers" in Abu Dhabi, where harsh weather and humidity created challenges.
Abbaswas speaking to reporters during a press conference at Sheikh Zayed Stadium after bagging three wickets in Pakistan'sfirst innings against Sri Lanka here.
The sportsman admitted that the conditions were completely different here in Abu Dhabi than those in the Caribbean. "There was little grass on the pitch, which didn't help the bowlers," he said.
The most successful bowler for Pakistan in the first innings sent three players of the competing Sri Lanka back to thepavilion for just 75 runs.
Speaking to Geo.tv here, Abbas said he was disappointed on the first day of the match for not being able to take a single wicketeven after trying hard.
The cricketer regretted not being able to take the wicket of Sri Lankan skipper Dinesh Chandimal even after blowing off stumps in the air since it was declared a no-ball.
Abbas requested Pakistanis living in theUnited Arab Emirates (UAE) — especiallythose in Abu Dhabi — to show up at thestadium to lend support to Pakistan team.