Pakistan have received a huge blow ahead of the first Test against South Africa, beginning from Wednesday at Centurion. Their lead attacker in whites, Mohammad Abbas will be missing out due to a shoulder injury which he picked up during the previous series against New Zealand.
The right-arm pacer had to miss the final Test against the Kiwis due to the injury, which at first, looked like it might rule him out entire Pakistan’s series against South Africa. However, it has been hoped that Abbas would get his fitness back before the 2nd Test and return in the side along with leg-spinner Shadab Khan, who has a groin injury.
"Abbas is not fit for the first Test, hopefully, he will be fit for the second Test. Shadab Khan, too, will be back for the second Test, but Fakhar Zaman is fit,” said Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed.
Abbas, who began his Test career on high, will be missed by Pakistan in their first game against the Proteas. He has scalped 61 wickets in 12 Tests at an average of 16.62.
The other pacers available are Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, and Shaheen Afridi, while Faheem Ashraf provides an all-round option.