'Always wanted to come here and play this kind of cricket' - Auqib Nabi speaks after four-fer against Glamorgan

Jammu and Kashmir pace bowler Auqib Nabi claimed 4 for 36 from 10 overs on Day 1 of Surrey's County Championship Division One match against Glamorgan at the Oval on September 15, 2026. It was his eighth four-wicket haul in first-class cricket and the standout bowling performance on a day that produced 20 wickets.

Glamorgan were bowled out for 132 in their first innings before Surrey were dismissed for 115 in reply, meaning both sides were separated by just 17 runs at the end of a dramatic opening day. The match is the third and final County Championship fixture of Nabi's short-term contract with Surrey, which also covered games against Yorkshire and Sussex.

"It was drier today as compared to last match, so I liked it because we have like kind of dry surfaces in India. So yeah, it was good and I liked it. I enjoyed bowling too. I enjoyed it very much. I always wanted to come here and play this kind of cricket. So yeah, I enjoyed it a lot," Nabi said, speaking on a video posted by Surrey on X (formerly Twitter).

How did Nabi perform across the day?

Nabi was Surrey's most productive bowler in Glamorgan's first innings, finishing with figures of 4 for 36 from his full allocation of 10 overs. The 29-year-old arrived at the Oval in strong domestic form, having taken 60 wickets for Jammu and Kashmir in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy at an average of 12.56, a campaign that earned him the Player of the Tournament award.

"Yeah, it was good. It was good for the team as well that I got wickets and for me as well as because last game I didn't get, I didn't bowl that much as I wanted. So yeah, it was good this time around. We will be keeping the things simple and we'll try to get them out as early as possible and chase it down later," Nabi said.

What role did the Surrey bowling group play on Day 1?

Nabi was not the only bowler to make an impact for Surrey as Glamorgan's first innings unravelled. The home side's attack worked as a collective unit, with Nabi supported by experienced county campaigners throughout the day. Nabi was added to Surrey's squad as a short-term signing for three matches, and his performances have underlined his expertise with the red ball. Nabi acknowledged the contribution of his teammates in keeping pressure consistent.

"Yeah, very good group. So you don't feel pressure because they are quite experienced as well and there is a lot of chats about what to do, what not to do. It's quite easy when the likes of Dan Worrall and Matt Fisher is on the other side," Nabi said.