PAK vs AUS: Abrar Ahmed ruled out of Perth Test, backup spinner yet to leave for Australia

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PAK vs AUS: Pakistan's 25-year-old leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed has been ruled out of the first Test against Australia which starts in Perth from December 14. This comes as a major blow for Pakistan as they were counting on Abrar who was the second-highest leading wicket-taker in the Test series against Sri Lanka earlier this year.

Abrar Ahmed featured in the four-day practice match against Prime Ministers XI. He bowled 27 overs for 80 runs and one wicket. He complained about discomfort in his right leg after bowling eight overs on Friday, December 8. He was taken off the field as a result.

"During an assessment by the medical team, a provisional diagnosis was made - justifying an MRI scan, which was done on the same day," a release from PCB said on Sunday, December 10.

"Abrar will undergo an intervention in Perth on Monday, after which conservative rehabilitation under the supervision of the team’s medical staff, will continue his road to recovery.

"He has not been ruled out of the test series yet, but keeping the player’s wellbeing in mind for this and future tours, further assessment before the second test will ascertain his availability on this tour," it added.

Meanwhile, chairman of the selection committee Wahab Riaz on the request made by the team management has approved the name of off-spinner Sajid Khan as the backup spinner. However, the 30-year-old off-spinner will travel to Perth only after his travel arrangement is finalised.