• Source:JND
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Australia vs Pakistan: Pakistan will have to deal with another major blow after their hugely disappointing defeat against Australia in the first Test of the three-match series.

Pace bowler Khurram Shahzad has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series due to a rib stress fracture and abdominal muscle tear.

It is to be noted that Shahzad reported side soreness while bowling on debut in the first Test in Perth and was sent for scans which went on to reveal a fracture in his left tenth rib.

He won't be part of the Shan Masood-led Pakistan team in the second Test against Australia in either Melbourne or Sydney.

 

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"PCB will now consult a specialist in Australia after which a final management protocol will be established for the player," a statement said. "He will then return to the NCA in Lahore where he will continue his injury management and rehabilitation."

Shahzad had an impressive outing in his maiden appearance in the longest format of the game as he got the better of Aussie star Steven Smith twice in the match and claimed three wickets for 45 runs in the second innings including the dismissals of David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne.

His absence is expected to leave Pakistan's bowling attack more vulnerable in the remaining two matches. Notably, Naseem Shah was ruled out of the tour with a long-term injury, while legspinner Abrar Ahmed missed the first Test with discomfort in his right leg and remains a serious doubt for the whole tour.

His replacement Noman Ali, the left-arm spinner, sustained a finger injury according to head coach Mohammad Hafeez.

Sajid Khan was roped in as cover but failed to feature in the first match due to late arrival and is expected to take his place in the second with Pakistan seeking to play a specialist spinner.

Pakistan have Mohammad Wasim Jr in the squad as a like-to-like replacement for Shahzad heading forwards in the series.

Australia thrashed the visitors by 360 runs after bowling them out for just 89 runs in the second innings.

 

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Pakistan will be in action in a two-day game against a Victorian XI side at the Junction Oval starting December 22.

They are already 1-0 down which has given a setback to their dreams to win a Test match on Australian soil for the first time since 1995.