Khurram Shahzad Ruled out of the remaining Pakistan tour of Australia, Waseem Jr and Hasan Ali in Line as Replacement 

Problems aren’t ending for Pakistan as they are looking forward to the boxing day test at the MCG. They are now facing another setback in their fast bowling department as Khurram Shahzad, who recently made his Test debut in Perth, has been ruled out of the next two matches against Australia.

The 24-year-old showcased promise with figures of 5-128 across both innings, including crucial dismissals of Steve Smith, David Warner, and Marnus Labuschagne, complained of soreness on his left side during the series opener which has led to his exclusion from Boxing Day test match.

Subsequent scans revealed a stress fracture in his left 10th rib and an abdominal muscle tear, forcing him to miss the remainder of the series against the World Test Championship winners.

Abrar Ahmed’s unavailability, Nauman Khan’s ongoing finger injury, and now Khurram Shahzad’s forced absence raise concerns about Pakistan’s bowling depth for the upcoming Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

The relatively inexperienced bowling attack has become even thinner with these setbacks. Playing in home conditions against a potent Australian bowling attack, Pakistan faces the risk of conceding another large score if their bowlers are unable to contain the hosts. This could provide the Australian batsmen with a comfortable platform to dominate the match.

Khurram Shahzad to go through rehabilitation

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated that Shahzad will consult a specialist in Australia, and a comprehensive management protocol will be established for his recovery.

The young bowler will then undergo further injury management and rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.

Khurram Shahzad’s elevation to the international stage followed impressive performances in first-class cricket, where he secured over 140 wickets in 46 matches for Habib Bank Limited.

His absence in the upcoming matches in Melbourne and Sydney compounds Pakistan’s bowling woes, with Naseem Shah sidelined due to a shoulder injury and Haris Rauf opting to participate in the Big Bash instead of representing his country.

In light of these challenges, Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Hasan Ali emerge as likely replacements in the playing XI for the second Test, commencing on Tuesday, December 26th, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).