Fazal ruled out of West Indies series with injury

Pakistan’s top-order batter Abdullah Fazal is set to miss the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan after sustaining a lower back injury.

According to a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Fazal was injured during a training session on Thursday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, San Fernando, the venue for the opening Test that bowls off on Saturday.

The PCB statement did not specify how the injury was sustained during the training session, but said that “following an MRI scan and clinical assessment, the team’s medical panel confirmed that Abdullah will require a period of rehabilitation.”

The injury will come as a significant blow at this early stage in Fazal’s career, who had an opportunity to consolidate his position in the national side on two high-profile away tours. Following the two Tests in West Indies, Pakistan travel to England for a three-Test series in August.

The 23-year-old emerged in recent months as one of Pakistan’s brightest prospects since making his debut against Bangladesh in May, where he scored half-centuries in each innings.

In Pakistan’s tour game against a West Indies Select XI earlier this week, he was unbeaten in both innings, scoring 50 and 48, and was a guaranteed starter for the first Test.

The PCB has not yet named a replacement for Fazal.

Fazal’s absence paves the way for middle-order batter Awais Zafar to make his debut, while Imam-ul-Haq, who missed Pakistan’s most recent Test against Bangladesh is now expected to regain his spot as opener.

CMC