Days before the start of the opening Test match between Pakistan and Australia at the Optus Stadium in Peth, the visitor have been handed a bit of a blow as one of their players has sustained an injury which has ruled him out of the series opener beginning on December 14. The player is none other than their leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed who had to leave the first-class game against Prime Minister XI ahead of the first Test match due to severe pain in his right leg around his knee. Initial diganosis and medial treatment has ruled him out of the first Test at least while an official release by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirms that "conservative rehabilitation under the supervision of the team’s medical staff, will continue his road to recovery."

Meanwhile, even though Abarar hasn't yet been ruled out of the three-match Test series, the PCB release clearly states that a further assessment will be done before the start of the second Test and only then a final call on his participation in the remaining matches of the series will be taken. 

Abrar Ahmed's Replacement Announced

Meanwhile, chairman of the selection commitee of Pakistan Wahab Riaz after being requested by the team management has approved off-spinner Sajid Khan as the replacement for Abar. Sajid's travel arrangement to Peth is being finalised after which he will join the rest of his teammates. However, with less than four days to go for the start of the first Test, it remains to be seen whether Sajid is rushed into selection or Pakistan try another player in the Playing 11.

Sajid, the 30-year-old off-spinner, has represented the Men in Green in as many as 7 Test matches and has scalped 22 wickets. His last Test appearance though came in March 2022 against Australia. That time around it was a home Test for Pakistan in Lahore.