AUS vs PAK: The Pakistan cricket team have suffered a major blow ahead of the second Test against Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Star fast bowler Khurram Shahzad has been ruled out of the entire series due to a rib injury.
Khurram Shahzad complained of pain during his debut Test in Perth. He was then taken for scans and it was revealed that the pacer had fractures his left tenth rib. He was deemed unfit to play in the last two AUS vs PAK games at MCG and SCG.
This will come as a massive blow for Pakistan as Khurram Shahzad was quite effective in the first AUS vs PAK game. He removed Australia’s prime batter Steve Smith in both innings and also sent David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne packing in the second innings.
PCB will now be consulting a specialist for him in Australia and then Khurram Shahzad will be returning to Pakistan to complete his rehab. PCB released an official statement related to his injury ahead of the second AUS vs PAK Test and stated:
“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.”
Khurram Shahzad impressed many during his debut game as he bowled tough lines and length and troubled the batters. He becomes the second Australian player after Abrar Ahmed to be ruled out of this tour, making Pakistan a fractured team in the tour.
With Khurram Shahzad getting ruled out of the AUS vs PAK Test, it is likely that Pakistan will draft Hasan Ali into the team. Quite a few eyebrows were raised when he didn’t play in the first game. His experience could be handy for the team in the Boxing Day game at MCG.
AUS vs PAK: Pakistan Predicted XI for the MCG Test
Pakistan would be eager to make a comeback in the second Test. They are yet to win a game in Australia since long and therefore it would be a huge achievement if they win.
Here is Pakistan’s Predicted XI for the MCG Test
Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Agha Salman, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Aamer Jamal, Hasan Ali