Khurram Shahzad Exclusion Is A Setback For Pakistan Australia tour

Pakistan encountered a setback as emerging fast bowler Khurram Shahzad has been ruled out of the ongoing series against Australia following the significant defeat in the first Test. Despite an impressive debut in Perth, where he claimed five wickets, including the dismissal of Steve Smith twice, the 24-year-old expressed discomfort, leading to subsequent scans that revealed a stress fracture in the ribs and an abdominal muscle tear.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that they will seek consultation from a specialist in Australia to determine the appropriate management protocol for the player. Khurram Shahzad will return to Lahore for continued injury management and rehabilitation after the assessment.

Read more : Pacer Khurram Shahzads participation in the upcoming second Test against Australia is uncertain.

This injury adds to Pakistan’s bowling challenges, as they are already without speedster Naseem Shah due to a long-term injury. Spinner Abrar Ahmed, who missed the Perth Test due to leg discomfort, might make a comeback for the second Test in Melbourne, beginning on December 26.

To fill the void left by Shahzad, Pakistan has options in Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim, both included in the squad as potential replacements.