AUS v PAK: Pakistan likely to play an 'unrecovered' Abrar Ahmed as specialist spinner for Sydney Test

As things stand, Abrar Ahmed is reportedly going to feature for Pakistan in the third and final Test, scheduled to be played at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 03. Ahmed's inclusion will depend on the condition of his right leg after Monday's training session. Notably, the leg-break bowler was ruled out of the first two games after he underwent trouble with his right leg due to a possible muscle pull during the tour game in Canberra.

After a 0-2 trail in the three-match series, Pakistan would be keen on including a specialist spinner to bolster their bowling attack. Given the spin-friendly nature of the surface at the SCG, him being a part of the XI will only do good to the team. However, that depends completely on the recovery of the Karachi-born player, and in case that doesn't happen, spin all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz might don the Pakistani whites for the first time in the series.

Earlier, PCB did quote about Ahmed's condition that his “symptoms have significantly improved”. However, it was also discovered that he was not “100% asymptomatic”, hinting that the bowler is unrecovered for being match fit.

According to ESPNcricinfo, the 25-year-old received injections as the visitors are keen to see the leggie participate in the New Year's Test. Ahmed has had a long-going history with injuries, which makes it extremely difficult to say anything about his participation at the moment. Skipper Shan Masood chose to go with an all-pace core that promised to produce impressive performances, the outcome, though, remained unfavourable.

PM Anthony Albanese greets Masood, Pat Cummins at Kirribilli House

To celebrate the New Year, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosted the skippers of both the teams at the Kirribilli House, one of his official residences. The Pakistani skipper shared details of the meet on his social media handle. Meanwhile, Glenn McGrath, ahead of the Pink Test, also posed with the team, pictures of which can be seen in the post shared by Masood.

“Starting off 2024 in Sydney, a day to remember at Kirribilli House hosted by PM @AlboMP and @scg
 for the #pinktest. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE ❤️,” he captioned on X.