PERTH: Pakistan’s preparations for the Test series against Australia have suffered a setback as mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed has been ruled out of the first Test match in Perth, set to commence on December 14. Abrar experienced severe pain in his right leg around the knee during a recent first-class game against the Prime Minister’s XI.
Having taken one wicket and bowled 27 overs before leaving the field, Abrar underwent a prompt MRI scan, leading to a provisional diagnosis. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated in a brief press release, “Abrar will undergo an intervention in Perth on Monday, after which conservative rehabilitation under the supervision of the team’s medical staff will continue his road to recovery.”
While Abrar has not been officially ruled out of the entire test series, his availability for the second Test will be assessed based on his recovery progress. The team management emphasizes prioritizing the player’s well-being for both the current tour and future engagements.
In response to Abrar’s absence, off-spinner Sajid Khan has been approved by the chairman of the selection committee, Wahab Riaz, and is expected to travel to Perth once his arrangements are finalized. The setback adds a layer of challenge for Pakistan, particularly given their historical struggles in Test series against Australia.
Pakistan’s last Test tour to Australia in 2019 resulted in a disappointing 2-0 loss in both games under the captaincy of Azhar Ali. Furthermore, Pakistan has never secured a Test series victory in Australia throughout its cricketing history.
Australia Tour Schedule
1st Test: Australia vs. Pakistan – December 14-18: Perth Stadium
2nd Test: Australia vs. Pakistan – December 26-30: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
3rd Test: Australia vs. Pakistan – January 3-7: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
Pakistan and Australia Squads for Test Series
Australia (first Test only): Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Lance Morris, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, David Warner.
Pakistan: Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
