Injured Abrar Ahmed likely to miss first test against Australia

Pakistan's injured mystery spinner, Abar Ahmed likely to miss the first test match against Australia as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has received spinner’s magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) report for the injury he picked during the four-day match against Prime Minister XI in Canberra.

Abrar bowled a total of 27 overs during the four-day practice match where he also picked up a wicket. At the end of the third day, he complained about feeling some discomfort in his right leg. For which the MRI was done.

As per the report, Abrar’s injury is not that serious but his participation in the first Test remains a doubt.

To cover for Abrar, the team management and selectors have agreed to include Sajid Khan in the squad bearing in mind the number of left-handers in the Australian squad, according to sources.

However, Sajid is unlikely to be able to travel to Australia before the Perth Test due to the time taken to complete the visa process. However, if Abrar is ruled out of the entire series, which seems unlikely, the off-spinner will travel to Australia.

It must be noted that the four-day match between Pakistan and the PM XI was called off due to a freak storm in Canberra.

According to Cricket Australia, a massive electrical storm battered the region on Friday with the winds blowing off the covers over the Manuka Oval pitch and exposing it to heavy rain.

The game was called off over safety concerns after the umpires and captains inspected the pitch on Saturday.

Australia tour schedule

1st Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 14-18: Perth Stadium

2nd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 26-30: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

3rd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – January 3-7: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)