LITTLE Lever skipper Josh Gent believes in-form professional Zain Abbas can get even better this summer.

Abbas has blasted 400 runs in his last four innings –including three consecutive centuries – helping the Victory Road side to four successive league victories.

It has form that has seen the Pakistan youngster rocket to the top of the batting averages and he is already within 21 runs of 500 for the campaign.

Still only 23 years old, it is only Abbas' second time playing cricket in England and Gent says he is proving his belief that Little Lever have the best professional in the Bolton League.

Gent said: "He is a top player and still only 23.

"It is only his second time in England after a previous spell in Bradford and he has been fantastic.

"He is an out-and-out class batsman who can play all kinds of shots.

"He can dig in when needed and carry his bat but can also turn it on.

"He was on 72 not out against Westhoughton with three overs to go and ended up hitting their ex-Lancashire star Oliver Newby for 28 in one over.

"He is a proper batsman and we are over the moon with him.

"He has nearly 500 runs already and I am certain, even though we are out of the cup, he will reach 1,000.

"This run will end but when you think we have not played on great wickets yet, who knows? He may get even better when the sun shines."

The 2013 league champions host Astley Bridge tomorrow looking to maintain their good run and while Abbas is the main threat for the visitors, Gent says it is a team effort with the summer signings playing a big part at the start of the season.

Two of those – Mo Adnan from Stand and teenager Ayaz Hanif from Darcy Lever – have also been in good form.

Gent added: "Ayaz has hit back-to-back fifties and top scored for the U18 Inter-league side recently so he has been fantastic for us considering he is still only 18.

"Mo is a great character and has also proved a good addition, chipping in with wickets – as has Saj Mahmood.

"All the signings have been good.

"We are staying realistic and want to just keep progressing.

"But I don't think many outside the club would have had Little Lever in fifth at this stage of the season.

"It's a big game for us against Astley Bridge who have hit some form as well so it should be a good one.

"We are confident because no-one likes coming to Little Lever."

Fixtures

Tomorrow

Greenmount v Farnworth, Heaton v Egerton, Horwich v Eagley, Kearsley v Bradshaw, Little Lever v Astley Bridge, Tonge v Walkden, Westhoughton v Farnworth SC.