Pakistan will most likely have to do without the services of Mohammad Abbas in the deciding Test against New Zealand with the seamer nursing an injured shoulder.
Abbas had injured his shoulder while fielding in Pakistan victory by an innings and 16 runs in the second Test at Dubai. The 28-year-old had played through the Test with the help of painkillers before being sent for a scan on Wednesday.
According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the Pakistan man’s injured shoulder could require a recuperation period of three to four weeks which would rule him of the decider which gets underway at Abu Dhabi on December 3.
Abbas, however, is expected to be fit in time for Pakistan’s opening Test against South Africa at the Centurion which gets underway on Boxing Day.
“(Abbas) underwent a scan on Wednesday which confirmed an injury to his shoulder,” the PCB stated.
“He will undergo further clinical assessment before we make a final decision regarding his availability for the 3rd Test.”
Shaheen Afridi could take Abbas’ place in the decider.
The prolific seamer has made a sensational start to his international career after making his debut last year, picking up 59 wickets in just 10 Tests coming into the series against New Zealand.
Abbas has, however, been unable to pick up any wickets in his last three innings after picking up 2-13 in the first innings of the opening Test at Abu Dhabi.
With Abbas now likely to miss the decider, Pakistan could hand a Test debut to teenage pacer Shaheen Afridi. Pakistan and the Kiwis are locked at 1-1 in the three-match series after Kane Williamson’s men won the opener by four runs before tasting an innings defeat at Dubai.