Pacer Khurram Shazad has been ruled out of the Test series against Australia because of a rib stress fracture and an abdominal muscle tear, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). To confirm that the 24-year-old will not play in the final two games of the three-match series, PCB released a statement on Thursday. “Khurram Shazad has been ruled out of the Test series against Australia due to a stress fracture in his left 10th rib, as well as an abdominal muscle tear,” the PCB said in a statement.
In the first Test, Shahzad complained of pain in his left side. Following the pacer’s injury, PCB will speak with an Australian expert, and following that, the player’s final care plan will be decided.
Shazad “will then return to the NCA in Lahore where he will continue his injury management and rehabilitation,” the statement continued. Hasan Ali and Muhammad Wasim Jr., who have been named in the squad, could take Shazad’s place. Shazad’s injury adds even more misery to Pakistan’s ever-growing list of injured players. Due to a chronic injury he received during the Asia Cup earlier this year, star pacer Naseem Shah was ruled out of the entire series.
After complaining of discomfort during Pakistan’s four-day Test match against Australia’s Prime Minister XI, spinner Abrar Ahmed is doubtful for the entire series. As per the statement of head coach Mohammad Hafeez, Noman Ali—who replaced Abrar—ended up hurting his finger. Prior to the Boxing Day Test, Sajid Khan is anticipated to join the Pakistan squad as a specialist spinner. In order to acclimatise to Australian conditions, Pakistan will play a two-day match against Victorian XI on December 22 and 23 prior to the start of the second Test in Melbourne on December 26. After losing the first Test by 360 runs, the Men in Green are now 1-0 behind in the series.
