Pakistan's star young opener Saim Ayub has been ruled out of the ongoing second Test against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town. Ayub twisted his ankle while fielding on Day 1 of the second Test. After scans, his MRI tests and reports have been sent to speciallists in London for further assessment.
"Saim Ayub has been ruled out of further participation in the second men's cricket Test against South Africa after twisting his right ankle while fielding," the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a release. "Saim underwent X-rays and MRI tests this afternoon and the reports have been sent to specialists in London for further advice on the treatment and time away from competitive cricket."
Ayub was injured early into South Africa's first innings. An outside edge off South Africa opener Ryan Rickelton's bat went between gully and backward point. Aamer Jamal and Ayub went after it. Jamal was able to cut if off but Ayub slipped and twisted his ankle. He got immediate medical assistance and was stretchered off the field. Later, he had a cast in his ankle.
It is a major blow for Pakistan as he won't take further part in the Test. Pakistan's vice-captain Agha Salman hopes that he recovers from the injury soon.
"It's a big blow, the kind of form he's in. He would have been a great asset on this wicket. I wish him well and hopefully, he'll be better soon," Salman said at the end of the day's play.
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In Ayub's absence captain Shan Masood may open alongside either Babar Azam or Kamran Ghulam.
Pakistan's fixtures ahead of Champions Trophy 2025
Injury to Ayub is a big blow for Pakistan as they are set to host West Indies for two-Test series commencing on January 16 at National Stadium, Karachi. It will be followed by an ODI tri-series involving New Zealand and South Africa which will work as preparation ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 which will be played in hybrid model starting on February 19.
Ayub's ODI career so far
The 22-year-old is yet to flourish in Tests but has had a major impact in ODIs. He scored two centuries in the ODI series where Pakistan whitewashed the Proteas. The southpaw has scored 515 runs from nine ODIs at an average of 64.37. He has scored three centuries and one fifty in the format so far. Also, his strike rate is an impressive 105.53.