Abrar Ahmed Officially Ruled Out; Here's Pakistan's Playing XI For 1st Test Vs Australia
Abrar Ahmed has been ruled out of Perth Test [X.com]
In a massive setback for Pakistan, ace spinner Abrar Ahmed has been ruled out of the first Test against Australia due to an injury. Notably, the leg spinner experienced severe pain around his right knee during the practice match against the Prime Minister's XI.
He was soon taken for scans, with the PCB medical team ruling him out of the first Test in Perth after thorough assessment. Pakistan have roped in off-spinner Sajid Khan as Abrar's replacement, although the latter is yet to be sidelined from the series. In his absence, Noman Ali could lead Pakistan's spin department in the first Test at Perth.
Coming to Pakistan's playing XI, Imam-ul-Haq will open the batting alongside Abdullah Shafique, with Shan Masood and Babar Azam slotted at number three and four, respectively. Saud Shakeel will bat at five, while former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed will likely be preferred over Mohammad Rizwan for keeping duties.
Faheem Ashraf will play as the solitary seam-bowling all-rounder, with Mohammad Wasim Jr, Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali set to be Pakistan's frontline pacers.
Pakistan's Probable Playing XI For 1st Test Vs Australia
Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed (WK), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Noman Ali
 "Debashis Sarangi")
