PAK vs AUS: Faheem Ashraf ruled out of Test series with groin injury; Fawad Ahmed named Australia's spin consultant

Pakistan allrounder Faheem Ashraf has been ruled out of the Test series against Australia slated to start next month. He is the second Pakistani player to be ruled out of the series after left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz was earlier 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 first Test, which gets underway on March 4 in Rawalpindi. Australia, led by pacer Pat Cummins, have already reached Pakistan for the historic series.

According to sources confirming to Cricket Pakistan, Ashraf has been ruled out due to a groin injury and will not be able to participate in the Test series. 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 Pakistan squad

Express pacer Naseem Shah is likely to replace Ashraf, as the fast bowler has already been included in the squad as a reserve player. PCB selection committee will make a formal decision regarding the 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 ahead of the Test series. The 40-year old bowler was recently 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 be a key 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.