Pakistan paceman Mohammad Abbas insisted on Wednesday he is confident his rapid success will not go to his head, saying a tough early life has helped him mature as a person.
The 28-year-old worked as a welder and a leather factory labourer in Pakistan before his hard work in cricket paid dividends with a first-class debut in 2009.
Abbas has been Pakistan's most successful bowler since making his Test debut in the West Indies last year, taking 54 wickets in nine-and-a-half games.
Abbas sent Australia tumbling to 145 all out with figures of 5-33 on Wednesday, helping Pakistan to a 137-run first-innings lead in the second Test in Abu Dhabi.
By close on the second day Pakistan were 144-2 in their second innings, stretching the advantage to 281 runs with eight wickets intact as they bid to win the two-match series 1-0.
Abbas took seven wickets in the drawn first Test in Dubai last week. But success is unlikely to go to his head, like it did to Mohammad Zahid, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir -- all three fast bowlers who shot to fame early in their careers.
"Look, I have a firm belief in Almighty Allah and I pray that he keeps me away from tough situations," said Abbas. "I have played first-class cricket and a lot of things have happened before my eyes."
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