Pak’s Shehzad faces a ban on failed drug test

Root to be spurred on by T20 axe

LAHORE, Pakistan, July 10, (Agencies): Maverick Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad failed a drug test conducted during a domestic tournament in April, the country’s cricket authorities confirmed Tuesday, and could face a ban of up to four years.

The offence is the latest in a long litany of Pakistani players charged with doping, and is a severe blow to the 26-year-old’s stuttering career.

The Pakistan Cricket Board will issue a formal charge sheet “later today” it said in a release, confirming reports in recent days that Shehzad had tested positive for a banned substance.

Shehzad lost his Test place following coach Paul Farbrace has said.

Root, a staple of the England batting line-up across all formats in recent years, came under pressure after some sub-par performances in his previous three T20 outings against Australia and India. The poor run led to the 27-year-old’s omission in favour of returning all-rounder Ben Stokes, but the change did little to help England as the hosts fell to defeat at Bristol.

West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach will miss the second cricket Test against Bangladesh because of the hamstring he strained in the innings victory in Antigua. Roach, who took five wickets in 12 balls, was ordered to rest, and Alzarri Joseph was brought into the 13-man squad

Shehzad

on Tuesday.

Joseph’s last test was in August, but he only recently returned to playing after a six-month layoff because of a stress fracture.

On his international return for the President’s XI against Bangladesh two weeks ago, he was the most successful bowler with 4-53 from 15 overs. Joseph has played six tests, taking 15 wickets.