In a recent announcement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has delivered a concerning update regarding enigmatic spinner Abrar Ahmed, ruling him out of the upcoming Melbourne Test against Australia.
The PCB, in a concise press release, disclosed that while Abrar Ahmed’s symptoms have shown improvement, he has been bowling at a reduced intensity of 50 percent. Despite commendable progress since his diagnosis in Canberra, Abrar remains less than 100 percent asymptomatic. Recognizing the demanding nature of a Test match and the workload expected from a spinner, the decision has been made to sideline Abrar for the second Test.
A crucial fitness test for Abrar Ahmed is scheduled for December 25th, aiming to determine his readiness to resume playing. The decision follows discomfort experienced by the spinner in his right leg during a four-day practice match against the PM XI, where he bowled for 27 overs and clinched a wicket. Subsequent to this, an MRI was conducted on the third day, revealing the extent of his condition.
In the absence of Abrar Ahmed, off-spinner Sajid Khan took his place before the first Test, which unfortunately ended in defeat for Pakistan. Now, with Abrar ruled out for the second Test, it is likely that Sajid Khan will play a pivotal role.
Adding to the team’s woes, spinner Nouman Ali has also been ruled out of the Test series due to acute appendicitis. Stepping into the void is left-arm bowler Mohammad Nawaz, who is set to join the squad in Australia shortly.
This follows the earlier setback with pacer Khurram Shazad being the first to be ruled out of the remaining Tests due to a stress fracture in the left 10th rib and a tear in the abdominal muscle.
As Pakistan faces these challenges, the spotlight turns to the Boxing Day Test, scheduled to commence on December 26th in Melbourne. The team is expected to regroup and rally in the face of adversity, seeking a stronger performance in the second Test against Australia.
