Mir Hamza released from Pakistan’s Test squad

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan pacer Mir Hamza has been released from the Test squad for the ongoing series against England owing to his injury.

The left-arm pacer experienced mild discomfort in his right leg before the ongoing third Test. The injury occurred during a practice session, where Hamza was unable to bowl, raising concerns about his fitness.

As a precautionary measure, he will complete his recovery and rehabilitation process in Karachi with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) medical team.

It’s worth noting that the three-match Test series is currently levelled 1-1 and the deciding third match is currently underway at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan suffered a humiliating defeat by an innings and 47 runs in the series opener, consequently, the home side made an array of changes including dropping their star batter Babar Azam and ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Domestic performer Kamran Ghulam made his long-awaited debut, while spin bowlers Sajid Khan, Noman Ali and Zahid Mahmood made their return to the Test side.

The changes proved fruitful as Kamran scored a century on his debut, while Sajid and Noman shared 20 wickets to steer Pakistan to their first Test victory at home since February 2021.

It’s worth noting that Pakistan have announced an unchanged Playing XI for the ongoing match, while England have added an additional spinner to take advantage of the conditions.

Pakistan Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel (vc), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mahmood.

England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.

READ: Asalanka steers Sri Lanka to series-clinching victory over West Indies