The Pakistani Pace bowler Khurram Shahzad is ruled out of the Test series against Australia after the side injury he sustained in his Test debut.
Khurram Shahzad ruled out of AUS-PAK Test series
The Pacer Khurram Shahzad has been ruled out of the remaining Test matches of the series against Australia due to a rib stress fracture and abdominal muscle tear he sustained during the first test of Pakistan’s tour of Australia 2023.
He had reported his soreness while bowling on debut in the first Test in Perth and later he went for scans which revealed the fracture of the tenth left rib. He won’t be able to feature in either Melbourne or Sydney.
“PCB will now consult a specialist in Australia after which a final management protocol will be established for the player,” a statement said. “He will then return to the NCA in Lahore where he will continue his injury management and rehabilitation.”
Khurran was impressive during the first test where he removed Steven Smith twice and claimed three wickets for 45 runs during the second innings. He dismissed batters like David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne.
His absence could be problematic for the Pakistan bowling unit. His injury Naseem Shah was ruled out of the tour with a long-term injury, while legspinner Abrar Ahmed missed the first test due to a niggle in his right leg.
According to the head coach Mohammad Hafeez the replacement for Noman Ali, for Abrar sustained an injury. Sajid Khan flew as cover but arrived late for the first test in Australia and is expected to take his place in the second Test.
In terms of a like-for-like replacement for Shahzad, Pakistan has Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim Jnr in the squad. Pakistan will play a two-day game against the Victorian Xl side at the Junction Oval on December 22.
Pakistan is down 1-0 in the series after suffering defeat in Perth by 360 runs. They have never won a test match in Australia. Pakistan will be playing their second Test starting on December 26 at MCG Stadium.
