Sajid Khan steps in as Abrar Ahmed sidelined – ready to take on Australia in first test

ISLAMABAD: In an unexpected turn of events ahead of Pakistan’s first Test against Australia in Perth starting on December 14, off-spinner Abrar Ahmed has been ruled out due to a leg injury sustained during a first-class game against the Prime Minister XI. However, the cricketing spirits remain high as Sajid Khan steps into the limelight, ready to make his mark in this high-stakes encounter.

Abrar Ahmed left the field during the Prime Minister XI game due to severe pain in his right leg around his knee. A prompt medical assessment led to a provisional diagnosis, prompting an MRI scan on the same day. The results revealed the need for an intervention in Perth on Monday, followed by a conservative rehabilitation process under the supervision of the team’s medical staff.

While Abrar has not been ruled out of the entire Test series, a thorough assessment before the second Test will determine his availability, considering his well-being for this and future tours. The priority is to ensure the player’s complete recovery before considering a return to competitive cricket.

In a commendable move, Chairman of the selection committee Wahab Riaz, responding to the team management’s request, has approved the inclusion of off-spinner Sajid Khan. Sajid, known for his spin prowess, will be traveling to Perth once his travel arrangements are finalized.

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Sajid Khan’s inclusion adds an element of excitement to the lineup, and the team is confident in his ability to contribute positively to the Test match against Australia. The young off-spinner has displayed remarkable skills in domestic cricket, and this is an excellent opportunity for him to prove his mettle on the international stage.

As the cricketing community rallies behind the Pakistan team, the anticipation for an enthralling contest against Australia grows. The resilience of the team, coupled with the emergence of talented players like Sajid Khan, ensures that the spirit of the game remains undeterred even in the face of unforeseen challenges. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the first ball in Perth, ready to witness an exciting clash between these two cricketing giants.