Pakistan lose superstar for Abu Dhabi Test

Pakistan’s worst fears have been confirmed ahead of their third and deciding Test match against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

A shoulder injury is almost certain to rule seam-bowler Mohammad Abbas out of the crucial match, but fears that he would be ruled out of Pakistan’s tour of South Africa in December have been allayed.

Abbas suffered the injury while diving to stop a ball in the field during his side’s victory over the Black Caps in Dubai earlier this week.

He was given painkillers to last through that second Test match, but a shoulder scan after the game showed the severity of the injury. A shoulder specialist saw the scans and early assessments suggested Abbas could be out for a period of three weeks to four months.

But the injury was not as serious as initially thought and while Abu Dhabi would be too quick a return, experts believe the bowler could be fit again in time for the first Test against South Africa, at Centurion on Boxing Day.

“Abbas underwent a scan on Wednesday that confirmed an injury to his shoulder,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said.

“He will undergo a further clinical assessment before we make a final decision regarding his availability for the third Test (in Abu Dhabi).”

The injury clearly had an impact on Abbas’ performance in the second innings of the second Test, which marked the third innings in a row he had failed to take a wicket. His brief drought is in stark contrast to the riches of his career since making his debut last year, a spell that has seen him become one of Pakistan’s most potent bowling options.

Abbas’ injury is likely to give another chance to Shaheen Afridi, the young left-arm fast bowler whose introduction into the Pakistan side has been a revelation, and whose performances have been of the highest quality results this season. Pakistan are likely to protect Abbas for the South Africa series, especially as he has been the most lethal weapon in their bowling attack for years.

On surfaces perfectly primed for his talents, his contribution to the Pakistan cause against the Proteas will be crucial to captain Sarfaz Ahmed and his side’s chances of victory in a country where they have struggled to win Test matches.