PCB rules out Abrar Ahmed’s inclusion in Melbourne Test
Off-break spinner has started bowling at 50% intensity but still not ready to handle Test match’s workload, says PCB
In a setback for the Pakistan cricket team, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Saturday that mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed will not be available for the second Test against Australia slated to begin on December 26 in Melbourne.
The 25-year-old off-break bowler had complained of severe pain in his right leg around his knee forcing him to leave the field during a first-class game against the Prime Minister’s XI and was subsequently ruled out of the first Test against the Aussies — which saw the national side suffering a humiliating 360-run defeat.
The off-break bowler then underwent an MRI scan followed by an “intervention”, the PCB had said.
In a statement, the PCB revealed that Abrar has started bowling at 50% intensity as his symptoms have significantly improved.
However, the board highlighted that the player is still not 100% asymptomatic, and owing to the workload required from a spinner he is not ready to play yet.
The board further added that Abrar will undergo a preliminary fitness test on 25 December, which will determine his probable return-to-play date.
The Green Shirts’ first Test tour to Australia since 2019 has been marred by injuries leaving the national side in disarray and a depleting bench strength.
Earlier in the day, another Pakistani spinner Noman Ali was ruled out of the Test series due to acute appendicitis which led him to undergo Laparoscopic Appendectomy.
The board has since then announced to fly-in Mohammad Nawaz “on the first available flight” to strengthen Pakistan’s bowling lineup.
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Prior to this, Green Shirts’ pacer Khurram Shahzad was also ruled out of the series due to a stress fracture in his left 10th rib along with an abdominal muscle tear.
The 24-year-old finished the first Test in Perth with an impressive match figures of 5-128.
Australia tour schedule
2nd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 26-30: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
3rd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – January 3-7: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
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