Azhar ruled out of first Test against England
Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali has been ruled out of the first Test against England as he has not recovered from a toe injury suffered on the recent limited-overs tour to Zimbabwe.
The news will come as a big blow for Pakistan as Azhar has been one of the most consistent performers in the longest format of the game since making his debut five years ago.
Azhar, who is Pakistan's ODI captain, has an average of 44.06 in 44 Tests, including nine centuries, and was a stable presence at number three in the batting line-up.
Pakistan manager, Intikhab Alam told Cricinfo: "He will not be playing in the first Test. His wound are almost dried up but he is not comfortable wearing his shoe and didn't take part in training activities since we are here."
With the 30 year-old Azhar out of the first of three Tests, it is likely that Ahmed Shehzad or Mohammad Hafeez will fill the role of coming after the first wicket.
The first Test will be played in Abu Dhabi while the second and third Tests will be in Dubai and Sharjah respectively.
Latest
-
NewsTom Harrison warns ‘we’re not out of the woods yet’ as ECB reports £16.1m losses
Prior to the onset of the global health crisis the ECB had expected the past year to be characterised by rising revenues.
-
NewsECB reports £16.1m loss with cash reserves down to £2.2m due to impact of Covid
Cricket as a whole in England and Wales has accrued revenue losses of more than £100m.
-
NewsMCC stresses requirement for law change to permit use of bamboo cricket bats
A Cambridge University study suggested a prototype bamboo bat was stronger, more sustainable and cheaper to produce than the willow blade.
-
NewsTymal Mills says initiatives are more important to cricket than taking a knee
The Sussex left-arm paceman feels inclusive schemes will prove more significant than gestures in broadening cricket’s appeal in years to come.
-
NewsAshley Giles will not allow England commitments to play second fiddle to IPL
Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer and Jos Buttler could find themselves involved in a calendar clash.
-
NewsAshley Giles hints at possible new faces for England in New Zealand series
Giles suggested players who recently returned from the postponed Indian Premier League into quarantine may be eased back into action gently.
-
NewsCraig Overton and Lyndon James star in big wins for Somerset and Nottinghamshire
The paceman picked up five second innings wickets to set up victory.
-
NewsGloucestershire escape the bad weather as David Payne rolls over Middlesex
The seamer claimed six for 56 and 10 wickets in the match as the visitors secured a comfortable win.
-
NewsOn this day in 2004: Muttiah Muralitharan beats Shane Warne to Test record
Muralitharan surpassed Courtney Walsh’s mark of 519 Test wickets.
-
NewsCraig Overton displays all-round talents to put Somerset on top
James Bracey also excelled as Gloucestershire pushed for victory over Middlesex.