Robert Abel (30 November 1857 – 10 December 1936), nicknamed "The Guv'nor", was a Surrey and England opening batsman who was one of the most prolific run-getters in the early years of the County Championship.

He suffered in the later part of his career from serious vision problems that could have handicapped him against fast bowling; however, his ability to produce eccentric, unorthodox cross-batted strokes – particularly the pull around his legs – complemented with determination and stamina, brought Abel success even on difficult pitches, and made him popular with the public.

[2] In that year he played his first Test matches, scoring 70 in England's victory at The Oval against a side containing the fine bowler Charles Turner.

In 1895 Abel began to stand out as an exceptional run-getter, when he became only the fourth player ever to reach 2000 runs, including his first double hundred against Essex at The Oval.

[2] Abel's batting on "sticky wickets" in 1902 resulted in a recall from the national selectors for the Sheffield and Old Trafford Test matches, but he managed only four ordinary scores.