TRINIDAD: Pakistan opener Abdullah Fazal will miss the upcoming Test series against the West Indies and England after suffering a lower back injury during training, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Saturday.
The 23-year-old sustained the injury during a training session at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad on Thursday. Pakistan will play the opening Test against the West Indies at the same venue.
An MRI scan and medical assessment confirmed the injury. The team’s medical panel advised Fazal to begin a rehabilitation program. The PCB has not yet named a replacement.
Fazal made an impressive Test debut against Bangladesh in May. He scored half-centuries in both innings of his first Test match.
He also carried his form into Pakistan’s warm-up match against the West Indies Select XI. He remained unbeaten in both innings, scoring 50 and 48.
His absence could open the door for middle-order batter Awais Zafar to make his Test debut. Imam-ul-Haq is also expected to return as an opening batter.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam wished Fazal a speedy recovery. He described the young opener as a talented and confident player and said his absence would be a significant setback for the team.
