Pakistan bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf has tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the second Test of the three-Test series against Australia at National Stadium, Karachi.
Ashraf is currently in five-day isolation after testing positive for the virus. Earlier, he missed the first Test due to fitness issue. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is yet to name his replacement.
The 28-year-old's last Test appearance was against Bangladesh in December 2021. He has played 13 Tests so far and taken 22 wickets at an average of 34.09. In the batting department, he has scored 632 runs from 19 innings at an average of 35.11 including four half-centuries.
Earlier fast bowler Haris Rauf contracted the virus before the first Test. Rauf was expected to make his Test debut in Rawalpindi which ended in a dull draw with batters from both sides piling on runs. Also, pacer Hasan Ali was ruled out of the first Test because he was yet to regain full fitness.
Meanwhile, the Australian Test squad arrived in Karachi under heavy security. The teams are expected to have full practice sessions on March 10’s morning.
The first Test Australia played on Pakistan soil in over two decades ended in a draw as the visitors’ bowlers toiled hard in the middle for nearly three days. After their first innings ended early on Day 5, Australian bowlers could not take a single wicket as Pakistan openers scored centuries.
The Rawalpindi pitch has been under the scanner as well for being too batting friendly. On the other hand, Australia may look to make one or two changes for the next game.
