Pakistan suffer setback ahead of second Australia Test

Pakistan suffered a setback on Thursday ahead of the second Test against Australia in Melbourne.

Pacer Khurram Shazad has been ruled out of the remaining Tests of the series due to a stress fracture in his left 10th rib, as well as an abdominal muscle tear, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“Shahzad complained of discomfort in his left side during the first Test. PCB will now consult a specialist in Australia after which a final management protocol will be established for the player,” the PCB said.

“He will then return to the NCA in Lahore where he will continue his injury management and rehabilitation,” it added.

The right-armer made his debut during the Perth Test and claimed five wickets during the match.

Pakistan suffered a heavy loss against Australia in the first game of the three-Test series. After being set a target of 450 in the fourth innings, Pakistan folded for a measly 89 in 30.2 overs, losing the match by 360 runs.

The visitors were dismissed for 271 in their first innings in reply to Australia's 487.

Pakistan were also penalised for maintaining a slow over-rate against Australia in the first Test in Perth. The visitors received a fine equating to 10% of their match fee, and two ICC World Test Championship points were deducted from their total.

Pakistan will now play a two-day practice match against Victoria from December 22-23. The second Test of the series will be held from December 26-30 at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Australia squad for the second Test:

Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, David Warner

Pakistan’s squad:

Shan Masood (captain), Sarfaraz Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Aamir Jamal, Sajid Khan, Abrar Ahmed.