- Abrar Ahmed ruled out of the first Test against Australia in Perth. Sajid Khan called in as a backup
In a significant setback for Pakistan’s Test squad, spinner Abrar Ahmed has been ruled out of the first Test against Australia in Perth due to a knee injury. The blow comes after a provisional diagnosis during a medical assessment prompted an immediate MRI scan, revealing the extent of the issue. Abrar is set to undergo an intervention in Perth on Monday, followed by a conservative rehabilitation process under the supervision of the team’s medical staff.
While Abrar has not been ruled out of the entire Test series, the team is prioritizing his well-being and will conduct further assessments before the second Test to determine his availability for the remainder of the tour.
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The absence of Abrar Ahmed, who could have been a crucial asset, poses a challenge for Pakistan’s bowling attack. The team management, in response to the setback, has sought off-spinner Sajid Khan as a backup. Sajid’s inclusion is subject to finalizing travel arrangements, and once confirmed, he will join the squad in Perth.
The news of Abrar’s injury has sparked reactions across cricket circles, with fans expressing disappointment and concern over the team’s ability to cope without the talented spinner. Social media platforms have been buzzing with discussions about the management’s role in managing player workloads and the impact of Abrar’s absence on the team’s performance.
Captain Shan Masood has faced criticism for the handling of Abrar Ahmed’s workload during the practice matches, with fans questioning the decision to bowl him continuously in what they deemed as a “useless” practice match. The injury to Abrar Ahmed, a potential trump card for Pakistan, underscores the challenges faced by the team as they gear up for a challenging Test series against Australia.
Australia Tour 2023-24 Schedule
| MATCH NO. | FIXTURE | DATE | VENUE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1st Test: Australia vs Pakistan | December 14-18, 2023 | Perth Stadium |
| 2 | 2nd Test: Australia vs Pakistan | December 26-30, 2023 | Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) |
| 3 | 3rd Test: Australia vs Pakistan | January 3-7, 2024 | Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) |
