PCB Confirms Abrar Ahmed's Unavailability For Boxing Day Test Vs Australia
Abrar Ahmed (Twitter)
Abrar Ahmed continues to battle hard with a right leg injury and won't be available for selection again owing to discomfort before the Boxing Day Test at MCG against Australia.
The Pakistan spinner, who injured his leg while playing the practice match ahead of the Test series against the Prime Minister's XI and missed the opening game in Perth, is only 50% ripe for playing duties and still feeling pain.
Abrar was integral to Pakistan's plans heading into the first Test but couldn't make the playing XI for the five-day fixture, which Pakistan lost by a whopping 360-run margin.
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The tweaker capable of turning the ball both ways had bowled 27 overs for a wicket in the PM XI clash at the Manuka Oval in Canberra.
Abrar Ahmed Unavailable For MCG Test
In a statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday (December 24) afternoon, it was confirmed that Pakistan's lead Test spinner is still unavailable to be picked by the Shan Masood-led side and will not be taking part in the Boxing Day Test.
If the recovery goes according to plans, the 25-year-old could be eyeing the New Year's Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3. He will be undergoing a fitness test under the supervision of the team physio and the medical staff to determine his readiness.
"Abrar Ahmed's symptoms have significantly improved, and he has started bowling at 50 percent intensity. Although he has worked really well since his diagnosis in Canberra, he still is not 100 percent asymptomatic," PCB said in a media statement.
"Considering the nature of the injury and the workload required from a spinner in a Test match, Abrar is not yet ready and will therefore not be available for the second Test. He will undergo a preliminary fitness test on 25 December, which will determine his probable return-to-play date," the board added.
Abrar has played six Tests for Pakistan with 38 wickets taken at an average of 31.07, including two five-wicket hauls and a best of 7/114.
 "Kashish Chadha")