Pacer Khurram Shahzad’s participation in the upcoming second Test against Australia is uncertain.

Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad’s availability for the second Test against Australia is uncertain due to discomfort in his left side, which he reported during the series opener in Perth.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) mentioned on Wednesday that Shahzad underwent an MRI scan following the team’s significant loss by 360 runs. The team’s medical panel will evaluate the scan results.

Despite Shahzad’s impressive debut at Perth Stadium, claiming five wickets in a pace-oriented bowling attack, Pakistan faces challenges in their bowling unit. The absence of injured fast bowler Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, who opted out of the series to participate in Australia’s T20 Big Bash League, has further depleted their resources.

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Pakistan’s attempt to secure their first Test victory in Australia since 1995 was disrupted by Nathan Lyon and Australia’s formidable pace bowlers. The match concluded within four days as the visitors faltered while chasing a target of 450, with Lyon taking 2-14 and Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood securing three wickets each.

Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, expressed satisfaction after the match, stating, “Great start to the summer, everything fell into place. We’ve played a lot of cricket, so the build-up was very chilled and relaxed.” He also praised Nathan Lyon, noting, “500 Test wickets around the world is huge. Couldn’t be happier for him.”

The match saw Australia declaring their innings at 233-5 on day four, following Pakistan’s dismissal for 271 in response to the hosts’ 487 in the first innings.