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Haris Sohail unlikely to play first ODI against England, remains doubtful for entire series

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In what could be a big blow for Pakistan ahead of their limited-overs series against England, middle-order batsman Haris Sohail is unlikely to take part in the opening ODI slated to be played on Thursday, 8 July. He also remains highly doubtful for the two remaining matches as well. 

The stylish left-handed batsman complained of an injury in his right leg and had to subsequently miss the practice sessions and both intra-squad games in Derbyshire. 

Sources close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that Sohail will undergo an MRI scan and is already under the rehabilitation process and doesn’t seem fit to take part in the first ODI. 

"He has a leg injury and is unlikely to take part in the first ODI and could even miss out on the remaining two matches," the source was quoted as saying by Sportstar. 

With Haris Sohail missing out in all probability, Pakistan could hand potential debuts to two players. Abdullah Shafique or batting all-rounders like Saud Shakil and Agha Salman could be in line to make their international debuts. 

Meanwhile, Sohaib Maqsood who returned to the team after a hiatus owing to his stupendous run of form in the recently concluded PSL is expected to get a look in. 

Coming back to Haris Sohail, the southpaw suffered a back injury during the tour of South Africa in 2019 and had to subsequently fly back home from the Rainbow nation. He also flew back to Pakistan midway through the tour of New Zealand. 

 

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