PAK vs AUS: Imam-ul-Haq ruled out of Abu Dhabi Test

The 22-year-old left hander, who started his career in Ireland this year, scored a brilliant 76 & 48 in the ongoing Test against Australia, despite facing a lot of criticism

Pakistan Cricket Board on Thursday announced that Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq has been ruled out of the second Test against Australia after suffering a fractured finger while fielding during the Dubai match.

The 22-year-old left hander, who started his career in Ireland this year, scored a brilliant 76 & 48 in the ongoing Test against Australia, despite facing a lot of criticism.

"Imam has fractured the fifth finger of his left hand while fielding and has been ruled out of the second Test starting in Abu Dhabi from 16 October," a Pakistan Cricket Board spokesman said.

Uncapped opener Fakhar Zaman and middle-order batsman Usman Salahuddin, can possibly be used as replacements in Imam’s absence.

While Salahuddin had made scores of 33 and 4 in the only Test he has played, against England in Leeds, Zaman has performed well with bat in the limited-overs format.

It is believed that before the three-match Twenty20 series against Australia starting in Abu Dhabi from 24 October, Imam will be kept under observation.