Pakistan’s cricket team is grappling with an escalating injury crisis as off-spinner Abrar Ahmed becomes the third player in as many days ruled out of the second Test against Australia, further deepening their woes.
Ahmed, who missed the team’s 360-run defeat in Perth due to leg discomfort, has not recovered sufficiently to participate in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne. This setback compounds the team’s challenges after spinner Noman Ali was hospitalized with acute appendicitis, forcing him out of the remainder of the three-match series.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated that Mohammad Nawaz would be brought in as a replacement for the injured Noman Ali. Additionally, pace bowler Khurram Shahzad, who impressed on his debut in Perth, is also sidelined for the last two Tests due to a stress fracture in the ribs and an abdominal muscle tear.
The PCB noted that Abrar Ahmed would undergo a preliminary fitness test on December 25 to determine his probable return-to-play date, highlighting the nature of his injury and the workload required from a spinner in a Test match.
This series of injuries presents a significant challenge for Pakistan as they prepare for the crucial second Test against Australia, testing the depth and resilience of their squad in the face of adversity.