Injury scare for Pakistan ahead of 1st Test vs Australia, Abrar Ahmed suffers discomfort in right leg during warm-up game

Pakistan are dealing with a significant injury concern as their key spinner, Abrar Ahmed, complained of discomfort in his right leg ahead of the opening Test against Australia. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) informed the public about the off-spinner's condition through a media release.

Consequently, the 25-year-old was taken off the field.

Abrar bowled just eight overs on the third day of Pakistan's warm-up match against the Prime Minister's XI at Manuka Oval in Canberra before being taken off. According to the PCB press release, the spinner underwent scans to assess the extent of the injury.

"Further details will be shared in due course after the medical panel assess the MRI reports," the PCB release stated.

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Abrar has bowled 27 overs in the game against Prime Minister's XI. This four-day match was part of Pakistan's preparation for their upcoming three-match Test series against Australia, scheduled from December 14 to January 7, 2024.

"Abrar has done really well for us, he's taken a lot of wickets against good sides, and we'll be hoping he does the same on this tour," Masood was quoted as saying.

Apart from Abrar, Pakistan have left-arm spinner Noman Ali as their only specialist spin-bowling alternative. If Abrar is unavailable for the first Test, Noman is expected to be given an opportunity.

Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman are occasional bowlers. In his six Test appearances, Abrar has taken 38 wickets, achieving two five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket haul.

Meanwhile, at Stumps on Day 3 of the warm-up match, the Prime Minister's XI secured a 24-run lead, with Matt Renshaw remaining unbeaten on 136 from 338 balls with eight fours and a six.

Pakistan chose to rest their first-choice fast bowlers, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Wasim, for this match. The 25-year-old spinner left the tour match on December 8, presumably due to a calf muscle injury.

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