Pakistan’s Shaheen in doubt for England Tests
Pakistan pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is in doubt for next month’s three-match Test series against England after doctors advised at least two weeks of rehab on a knee injury sustained in Sunday’s Twenty20 World Cup final.
The 22-year-old left-arm quick hurt himself while taking a catch against England in Melbourne and was unable to complete his four overs as his side lost by five wickets. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said a scan on Afridi’s right knee showed no signs of injury, and his discomfort was likely due to “flexion” as he fell after dismissing Harry Brook in the deep.
“Shaheen will undergo a rehabilitation and conditioning programme that has been designed to strengthen his knee,” the PCB said in a statement, adding that the process would take at least two weeks.
“Shaheen’s return to international cricket will be subject to the champion fast bowler’s successful completion of the rehabilitation programme and following goahead by the medical staff,” it said.
Shaheen, who hadn’t played for months before the Twenty20 World Cup after injuring the same right knee earlier in the year, will need time to return to match fitness before tackling the rigours of Test cricket.
The first Test between Pakistan and England starts in Rawalpindi on December 1, followed by Tests in Multan (December 9-13) and Karachi (17-21). Shaheen has been Pakistan’s premier bowler in all three formats for the last three years, taking 99 Test, 66 ODI and 58 T20 wickets.
BOULT, GUPTILL DROPPED FROM NEW ZEALAND SQUAD TO FACE INDIA
Veterans Trent Boult and Martin Guptill were yesterday left out of the New Zealand cricket squad for home Twenty20 and one-day internationals against India beginning this week. The Black Caps host India in Wellington on Friday in the first of three Twenty20 games followed by a three-match one-day series. Both teams will be looking to overcome the frustration of losing in the semi-finals of the Twenty20 World Cup, which was won by England on Sunday. Guptill, 36, is replaced by rising young batsman Finn Allen, 23, while there is no place among the bowlers for left-arm paceman Boult.
Earlier this year Boult, 33, asked to be released from his central contract and signed for the Melbourne Stars in Australia’s lucrative Big Bash League.
“When Trent opted out of his contract in August, we indicated priority would be given to players with central or domestic contracts,” said New Zealand coach Gary Stead.
“We’re all aware of Trent’s world-class ability, but at this time, we want to give opportunities and experiences to others,” he added. Allen, who will be playing against India for the first time, has made eight oneday international appearances for New Zealand and has 23 T20 caps.
New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Blair Tickner.