The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has delivered an update on the status of mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed, confirming his absence from the upcoming Melbourne Test.
PCB’s Press Release:
In a concise press release, the PCB stated
“Abrar Ahmed’s symptoms have significantly improved, and he has started bowling at 50 percent intensity. Although he has worked well since his diagnosis in Canberra, he still is not 100 percent asymptomatic. Considering the nature of the injury and the workload required from a spinner in a Test match, Abrar is not yet ready and will therefore not be available for the second Test.”
Fitness Assessment on December 25th
The press release further outlined that Abrar Ahmed will undergo a basic fitness test on December 25th to determine when he can likely resume playing.
Notably, Abrar bowled for 27 overs in a four-day practice match against the PM XI, where he felt discomfort in his right leg on the third day, prompting an MRI.
Replacement and Team Changes
Before the first Test, off-spinner Sajid Khan was chosen as Abrar’s replacement, and it’s likely he will continue in the second Test following Pakistan’s loss in the initial match.
Additionally, spinner Nouman Ali has been ruled out of the Test series due to acute appendicitis. Left-arm bowler Mohammad Nawaz will step in as his replacement.
Earlier, pacer Khurram Shazad was the first player ruled out of the remaining Tests due to a stress fracture in the left 10th rib and a tear in the abdominal muscle.
Next Test
The second Test between Pakistan and Australia, also known as the Boxing Day Test, is set to commence on December 26th in Melbourne.
