- By Himanshu Badola
- Sun, 10 Dec 2023 09:44 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Australia vs Pakistan: Pakistan have suffered a massive blow as leg spinner Abrar Ahmed has been ruled out of the opening Test against Australia due to a knee injury.
The first Test between Australia and Pakistan is scheduled to be played at the Perth Stadium and will commence on Thursday, December 14.
Abrar's participation in the rest of the series also remains a concern but he hasn't been ruled out of the second and the third Tests yet.
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With concern rising over Abrar's availability in the three-match Test series in Australia, Pakistan have roped in Sajid Khan as a backup option in the squad.
Abrar sustained the injury to his right knee during Pakistan's match against the Australia Prime Minister XI.
Both teams faced off in a one-off four-day warm-up match which was played from December 6 to December 9 at the Manuka Oval in Canberra but ended up in a draw.
As of now, Abrar will remain with the team and will undergo further assessment and treatment in Perth.
The update on his fitness is expected to be released ahead of the Boxing Day Test match.
"During an assessment by the medical team, a provisional diagnosis was made - justifying an MRI scan, which was done on the same day," a PCB release stated. "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.
"He has not been ruled out of the Test series yet, but keeping the player's wellbeing in mind for this and future tours, further assessment before the second Test will ascertain his availability on this tour," the release added.
After the first Test in Perth, both Australia and Pakistan will be up against each other in the second Test at the MCG on December 26 followed by a third at the SCG on January 3.