AUS vs PAK | Pakistan Pacer Khurram Shahzad Ruled Out Of Test Series Ahead Of Boxing Day Test
Khurram Shahzad made his debut in Perth Test for Pakistan [X.com]
In a massive blow for Pakistan ahead of the second Test against Australia in Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 26 i.e. Boxing Day, pacer Khurram Shahzad has been ruled out for the remainder of the series.
Shazad, who made his debut in the first Test at Perth, impressed one and all with his aggression on the field against Australia, where the 24-year-old picked up an injury while bowling that later turned out to be a rib stress fracture and abdominal muscle tear.
After complaining of side soreness while bowling in Perth, scans revealed that the bowler had a fracture in his left tenth rib, which is responsible for Shahzad's ouster from the three-Test series.
As stated in a statement, PCB will consult a specialist in Australia before leaving for Lahore and undergoing rehabilitation at National Cricket Academy (NCA).
Here's what PCB said
"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."
Shahzad attained match figures of six for 128, which include getting Steve Smith out twice. Pakistan has an already wafer-thin bowling attack with leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed also uncertain about the remaining Tests after picking an injury ahead of the first encounter.
Team Pakistan will take the field on December 22 against Victoria XI in a two-day tour match and will look to try out players like Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim Jr, who could replace Shahzad.
Pakistan are 1-0 down in the series already and will need to win the MCG Test to stay alive before the final match at Sydney next year.
 "Vishal Mehra")
