Khushdil Shah to miss first Test against England

Khushdil Shah, Pakistani spin bowling all rounder, will not be available for consideration for the first Test against England due to a thumb fracture which he suffered from while batting in the nets, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board. A press release from the board said, “As the nail is intact and there is no […]
 
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Khushdil Shah to miss first Test against England

Khushdil Shah, Pakistani spin bowling all rounder, will not be available for consideration for the first Test against England due to a thumb fracture which he suffered from while batting in the nets, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board.

A press release from the board said, “As the nail is intact and there is no injury to nail bed, the orthopaedic surgeon, team physician and team physiotherapist expect Khushdil to resume physical training by the end of the next week.” The release also said that it will require three weeks for the injury to heal.

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Khushdil, though, was mainly drafted into the 29 man Pakistan squad more for his T20 exploits. His first-class career so far hasn’t been much to impress, in the 29 matches that he has played, he scored 1,418 runs at 25.78, to go along with 4 wickets with his left arm spin. 25 year old Khushdil has had a much bigger impact in the shortest format of the game, he was impressive in this year’s unfinished Pakistan Super League. Although he only scored 175 runs in his 9 games, his 29 ball 70 for Multan Sultans against the Lahore Qalandars made people sit up and take notice of him. He has also played a T20 International for Pakistan last year. If the current prognosis holds true, Khushdil will be available for Pakistan’s T20 series against England later in August.

The Pakistan camp had another injury scare when Abid Ali, who is in consideration to be one of the first choice openers in the Test series was struck on the helmet by a shot from youngster Haider Ali. Abid was brought down to the ground by the blow, and the anxiety rose among onlookers when an ambulance was brought out onto the field. Thankfully, after treatment by the medical staff on the field, he he was able to sit unaided before being led out of the ground without the help of a stretcher. According to ESPNCricinfo, he was not required to be taken to the hospital.

Khushdil Shah to miss first Test against England

The first Test between England and Pakistan commences on the 5 August at Old Trafford, before the two sides move to Southampton for the remainder of the Test series.