Pakistan speedster Usman Shinwari is likely to miss the upcoming second Test against Sri Lanka on Thursday in Karachi. As stated by head coach Misbah-ul-Haq, the pacer is down with high fever and has been hospitalised.
He further stated that Shinwari was being treated and it was highly unlikely he would be available for the second Test.
Pakistan is set to bring back leg-spinner Yasir Shah for the Test after they played four pacers in the rain-hit first Test in Rawalpindi which ended in a draw. The hosts also have the option of playing a second spinner in southpaw, Kashif Bhatti.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka have also lost pacer Kasun Rajitha for the second Test, according to head coach Mickey Arthur. “No he can’t play here and he is being looked after for his left hamstring problem,” he said.
Sri Lanka have already lost seasoned pacer Suranga Lakmal for the tour due to dengue. Rajitha’s exit means Lahiru Kumara and Vishwa Fernando are the only frontline quicks in the squad to have played Tests.
Lakmal’s replacement, 22-year-old Asitha Fernando, has only played one ODI.
Arthur said the only decision to be made for the second Test was whether to go in with three pacers and one spinner or two pacers and two spinners.