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Due to an abdominal muscle strain and stress fracture
in his ribs, pace bowler Khurram Shahzad will miss the rest of the Test series
in Australia.
Following his initial bowling appearance in the first
Test match in Perth, Shahzad complained of side pain. He was subsequently
scanned, and the results showed that he had fractured his left tenth rib. He is
not going to be able to play in Sydney or Melbourne.
In Perth, Shahzad made an impression by taking out
Steven Smith twice throughout the game and taking 3 for 45 in the second
innings, along with David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne.
“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.”
Add to Pakistan’s mounting problems with bowling
injuries is his absence. Due to a chronic injury, Naseem Shah was unable to
participate in the tour, and legspinner Abrar Ahmed was unable to play in the
first Test due to right leg discomfort. For the duration of the tour, he is a
serious doubt.
His substitute Head coach Mohammad Hafeez said that
left-arm spinner Noman Ali had a finger ailment. Arriving too late to
participate in the first Test, Sajid Khan was brought in as cover. Pakistan is
anticipated to use him in the second Test as they aim to field a specialist
spinner.
In terms of a like-for-like replacement for Shahzad,
Pakistan have Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim Jnr in the squad.
Pakistan are 1-0 down in the series after being beaten
by 360 runs in Perth. They have not won a Test in Australia since 1995.