News by “Sana Ullah”
Abrar Ahmed’s Participation in First Test Against Australia Uncertain
Lahore, Pakistan – December 9, 2023: Pakistan’s young leg-spinner, Abrar Ahmed, is likely to miss the first Test against Australia starting December 14 in Perth. He experienced “discomfort in his right leg” during the recent warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra.
While the extent of the injury remains unclear, sources indicate that recovery by the first Test is highly unlikely. Abrar will undergo an MRI scan on Saturday for further assessment. Even if the scan results are positive, the recovery timeline is expected to rule him out of the first Test.
This is a significant blow for Pakistan, as Abrar was expected to play a pivotal role on the spin-friendly Australian pitches. He has impressed in his short international career, claiming 17 wickets in four Tests at an average of 22.35.
In Abrar’s absence, Pakistan’s lone remaining specialist spin option is Noman Ali, a left-arm spinner. However, Noman has limited experience at the international level, having played only two Tests so far.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering other options, including bringing in a replacement spinner from the domestic circuit. They will need to make a quick decision to finalize their squad for the first Test.
The loss of Abrar will undoubtedly weaken Pakistan’s spin attack, but it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and prove their worth.
It remains to be seen how Pakistan will cope without their star young spinner, but their hopes for a successful tour of Australia will hinge on finding a way to effectively utilize their remaining spin options.
