PCB provides update on Saim Ayub’s injury

LAHORE: Pakistan opener Saim Ayub is progressing well in his recovery from a right ankle injury and will continue his rehabilitation in England, the country’s cricket board revealed on Friday.

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Saim has been ruled out for 10 weeks from the date of injury (3 January) following comprehensive MRI scans, X-rays, and medical assessments.

For the unversed, Saim suffered a right ankle fracture while fielding on the first day of the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa in early January.

The incident occurred in the seventh over of South Africa’s first innings when Ryan Rickelton played a fuller-length delivery from Mohammad Abbas past the slip cordon into the deep third-wicket region.

Saim, quick on his feet, dashed in to act as the relay fielder, as Aamir Jamal valiantly attempted to haul the ball back from the boundary at deep third-man.

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However, in a heartbreaking moment, Saim Ayub lost his balance and stumbled backwards, struggling to regain his footing.

He was attended to by medical staff on the field, but his painful grimaces made it evident that he was in significant distress. Ultimately, he was carried off the field after he struggled to stand on his feet.

The PCB also shared that the young opener’s availability for the New Zealand tour will be subject to clearing all fitness tests and medical requirements.

Pakistan will tour New Zealand for five T20Is and three ODIs from 16 March to 5 April, which will be followed by the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10, which starts on 8 April.

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