Pakistani allrounder Faheem Ashraf has been ruled out of the Test series against Australia slated to start next month. Faheem will be the second Pakistani player to be ruled out of the series after Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz was also ruled out due to an injury.
It is to be noted that Australia will be making their first tour in the country since 1998. Meanwhile, the action will begin with the opening Test, which gets underway on March 4 in Rawalpindi. Team Australia led by pacer Pat Cummins have already boarded the flight for Pakistan.
According to sources confirming to ‘Cricket Pakistan’, Faheem has been ruled out due to a groin injury and will not be able to participate in the inaugural Test match. Similarly, as per reports, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to announce the allrounder’s replacement as his participation in upcoming matches looks unlikely.
Naseem Shah likely to replace Ashraf in the squad
Express pacer Naseem Shah is likely to replace Faheem, as the fast bowler has already included in the squad as a reserve player. PCB selection committee will make a formal decision regarding Faheem’s replacement on February 28.
Meanwhile in another squad related development, Cricket Australia has named Pakistan-born Australian cricketer Fawad Ahmed to provide his services as a net bowler and an advisor for Australian team for upcoming Test series. The 40-year old bowler was named as Rashid Khan’s replacement by Lahore Qalandars in 2022 Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Lahore Qalandars will be taking on Multan Sultans in the final match of 2022 PSL to be played on February 27. After the match is concluded, Fawad will be transferred to Australia’s biosecurity bubble. Meanwhile, Australian skipper Pat Cummins also emphasized on the fact that Fawad will play a key role as he has ample experience of Pakistan conditions.
“Fawad Ahmed has experience of playing in Pakistan and PSL. He knows pitches in Pakistan really well so Fawad Ahmed as a spin consultant will be helpful for Australia,” Cummins was quoted by Cricket Pakistan.
