MELBOURNE: Pakistan’s young right-arm pacer Khurram Shahzad has been ruled out of the Test series against Australia due to a stress fracture in his left 10th rib, as well as an abdominal muscle tear on Thursday.
PCB released a statement yesterday, stating that Khurram Shahzad complained of discomfort in his left side during the first Test.
“Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad complained of discomfort in his left side during the first Test in Perth,” stated PCB.
He underwent an MRI scan, and after the medical assessed his reports, it was confirmed that he could not partake further in the series.
PCB will now consult a specialist in Australia after which a final management protocol will be established for the player.
He will then return to the NCA in Lahore where he will continue his injury management and rehabilitation.
Khurram Shahzad had a decent start to his Test career as he picked up five wickets on his debut against Australia in Perth.
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For the unversed, Pakistan succumbed to a 360-run defeat against Australia after their batting lineup unfolded at a mere 89 in the fourth innings while chasing a mammoth total of 450.
The touring side could yield 271 runs in their first innings in reply to Australis’s 487.
Pakistan, who were at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) points table with a perfect, record, got another blow to their campaign when the International Cricket Council (ICC) penalized them for maintaining a slow over-rate during the Perth Test.
Pakistan were fined 10 per cent of their match fee and docked two ICC WTC points.
The sanction after a hammering defeat, consequently resulted in them slipping to the second spot with a winning rate of 61.11.
Two-time runners-up India benefitted from Pakistan’s demotion and reached the summit with a winning percentage of 66.67.
Australia squad:
Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, David Warner
Pakistan’s squad:
Shan Masood (captain), Sarfaraz Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Sajid Khan, Abrar Ahmed.