AUS v PAK 2023-24: Abrar Ahmed ruled out of 1st Test in Perth; Pakistan names replacement

The first Test between Australia and Pakistan to be played in Perth from December 14.

Pakistan has suffered a huge blow as ace spinner Abrar Ahmed has been ruled out of the first Test against Australia which will begin on December 14 in Optus Stadium in Perth. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named a replacement for Abrar.

Abrar, a mystery spinner, bowled a total of 27 overs during the four-day practice match against the PM XI where he also picked up a wicket. But at the end of day 3, Abrar complained of pain in his right leg and subsequently left the field. Later scans revealed Abrar had suffered an injury and hence was put out of contention from the first Test.

“During an assessment by the medical team, a provisional diagnosis was made - justifying an MRI scan, which was done on the same day. Abrar will undergo an intervention in Perth on Monday, after which conservative rehabilitation under the supervision of the team’s medical staff, will continue his road to recovery,” PCB said in a press release.

The PCB confirmed that Abrar Ahmed was not ruled out of the entire Test series, but only from the first Test in Perth. The board will decide on his availability for the second Test after having a complete medical assessment.

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“He has not been ruled out of the test series yet, but keeping the player’s wellbeing in mind for this and future tours, further assessment before the second test will ascertain his availability on this tour,” the release further stated.

Meanwhile, PCB named off-spinner Sajid Khan as Abrar’s replacement for the first Test in Perth. The 30-year-old will travel to Australia as soon as his visa process is completed.

“Meanwhile, the chairman of the selection committee Wahab Riaz on the request made by the team management has approved the name of off-spinner Sajid Khan. Sajid will travel to Perth once his travel arrangement is finalized,” the press release concluded.

Pakistan have also never won a Test series in Australia in their entire history.

Pakistan squad for the first Test:

Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Sajid Khan, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-Ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

(PCB inputs)