Pakistan have suffered a big setback in the lead-up to their two-match Test series against the West Indies, as left-hander Abdullah Fazal will be out of the series after suffering a back injury during training.
The injury to the lower back occurred when he got injured during Pakistan’s practice session at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, venue of the first Test starting on Saturday.
After the injury, Fazal had an MRI, and doctors recommended that he start rehab.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that Fazal has been withdrawn from the West Indies Test series as well as the country’s upcoming three-match Test series in England from August 19 to September 3.
“His replacement in both areas will be announced at an appropriate time,” the board added.
Read more: West Indies announce 15-member Test squad for Pakistan series
Fazal’s departure is a huge shock for Pakistan, especially after his good form in the four-day warm up game against the West Indies Select XI at Queen’s Park Cricket Club, Port of Spain.
The left-hander opened with 50 and 48 runs against the two sides in the two innings, which was a sign that he will be able to show a good performance in the Test series.
The youngster has played two Tests for Pakistan and both were during the away series against Bangladesh this May.
He has netted 141 runs, averaging 35.25, with two half centuries, and is a good choice for the top of the order.
Updated Pakistan squad for West Indies Tests
Babar Azam (c), Aamir Jamal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.
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