Injuries force PCB to delay squad announcement

Pakistan have delayed announcing their squad for the Test series against Australia in the UAE until after the tour match this week, saying they need more time to let injured players recover.
Pakistan have delayed announcing their squad for the Test series against Australia in the UAE until after the tour match this week, saying they need more time to let injured players recover.
Pakistan were hit with major injury blows during the ODI series, which the Aussies won three-nil. Aside from Saeed Ajmal being banned, they also suffered the losses of Mohammad Hafeez, Junaid Khan and Wahab Riaz, decimating their bowling attack.
Chief selector Moin Khan said on Monday, when the squad should have been released: "The delay was forced on us owing to injuries to a bunch of frontline players.
"With a view to field the best possible team, the selectors would like to wait for an update on their fitness as well as on the form of the players featuring in the 'A' game against Australia."
They then explained that while Hafeez looked like he'd be good to go, pacemen Junaid and Wahab were less promising, with both suffering knee injuries during the ODI series and neither looking promising.
General Manager of Sports Medicine for PCB, Sohail Saleem explained: "There was neither any ooze nor any significant pain, so he [Hafeez] was advised to start batting from Monday with the help of support.
"On examination, the wound required suturing while the underlying musculature appeared intact. He was advised to protect his hand while fielding."
He added of Junaid's knee injury: "On October 7, scan results indicated a tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus with the presence of a mild joint effusion. He was advised rest as a part of conservative management.
"He will be examined by me and an orthopedic surgeon on October 14 before we could take a decision on conservative or surgical management of his injury."
Of Wahab, who can walk but not bowl much, Saleem said: "Wahab's condition will be ascertained in detail on his arrival shortly from the UAE.
"He will undergo a rehab period and a progressive return to play will be implemented at the NCA. In this regard, we will pursue a conservative approach to injury management/ rehab programme."
Latest
-
News
Sixes, centuries and celebrations – Eoin Morgan’s England career in pictures
Morgan transformed England’s one-day side from also-rans to world champions.
-
News
The key moments in Eoin Morgan’s reign as England captain
Morgan’s time as skipper culminated in World Cup glory in 2019.
-
News
Eoin Morgan says it’s ‘right time’ to go as he confirms international retirement
The 35-year-old, who led England to World Cup glory in 2019, has been beset by form and fitness issues over the last 12 months.
-
World Test Championship
Swashbuckling England have served notice to Test rivals – Brendon McCullum
The new head coach oversaw a thrilling 3-0 series win over New Zealand.
-
England
History-making one-day captain Eoin Morgan set to call time on England career
Morgan led England to World Cup glory in 2019.
-
England
BBC staff ‘raised concerns’ over Michael Vaughan’s return amid racism scandal
The former Yorkshire batter returned to Test Match Special coverage for the recent England-New Zealand Test series.
-
County Cricket
Sam Curran’s century puts Surrey in complete control against Kent
Curran’s 126 helped Surrey rack up four centuries in the same championship innings for only the second time in their history.
-
England
England’s Kate Cross hails Marizanne Kapp’s ‘outstanding’ 150 for South Africa
Kapp came to the crease with South Africa 45 for four and steered her side out of trouble with a maiden Test century.
-
England
Marizanne Kapp steers South Africa out of trouble after England’s flying start
Kapp hit 150 from 213 deliveries as England ushered in a new era with four debutants, three taking their maiden Test wickets.
-
England
Marizanne Kapp century rescues South Africa after England make flying start
Kapp made 150 to help the tourists recover from 45 for four.