No injury threat to Khurram Shahzad, set to feature in Test series against England

Amidst the furore by fans after getting whitewashed by Bangladesh in the Test series, Pakistan have got good news in the form of Khurram Shahzad’s fitness. The pacer created a fair chance by picking four wickets in Bangladesh’s early debacle of 26 for 6 in the first innings of the second Test but he could not replicate the same in the second innings, picking just one wicket, and incurring a potential injury during the game. 

The bowler remained on the field for the majority of the final day and was sent for scans right after the game. As per reports, the right-arm pacer has come good after the scan and there is no threat of a serious injury with a brief rest period prescribed by the doctors. This means, that the 24-year-old will potentially be available for the impending Test series against the touring England.

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Shahzad has played just three red-ball games for Pakistan and has been unlucky owing to his fitness. He made his debut in December 2023, against Australia in Perth. But the youngster suffered from a stress fracture of the rib. After recuperating, the two Tests in the Bangladesh series were his immediate assignments.

Shahzad has been impressive with his little game time. Playing three Tests, he has managed to pluck 14 wickets at an average of 24.85 and a strike rate of 40.7. He will be eyeing a quick recovery as England’s tour of Pakistan for three Tests will begin with the first Test at Multan Stadium on October 7.

Moreover, the series is a litmus test for the Pakistan team’s intense scrutiny over bad management and conduct within the board and dressing room. It is worth noting that, the team has not won a series at home since 2021. Their World Test Championship standing does not look promising either.