According to a release from the PCB on Thursday, Pakistani pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will not play in the second and final Test against Sri Lanka in Galle due to a knee injury (July 21).
On Day 4 of the first Test of the series, which Pakistan won by four wickets and was played in Galle, Shaheen Afridi suffered an injury to his right knee.
the PCB statement read, “He will stay with the Test side in Sri Lanka, where his initial rehabilitation and management will continue under the supervision of the team’s medical staff.”
Afridi distinguished himself during the first innings of the first Test, taking 4 for 58 in 14.1 overs and helping to bowl out the hosts for 222. He only took part for seven overs in Sri Lanka’s second innings, which lasted 100 overs. On the fourth day, Afridi, who is presently one Test wicket short of joining the 100-wicket club, also departed the field looking uncomfortable.
Prior to the decisive match, Sri Lanka is also concerned about injuries; offspinner Maheesh Theekshana was forced to withdraw from the second Test due to a hand injury.
If Pakistan chooses to play another seamer despite the conditions in Galle being spin-friendly, Afridi’s absence opens the door for either fast bowler Haris Rauf or bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf to make the XI for the second Test. The injury to Afridi also prevents him from being the 11th Pakistani seam bowler to record 100 Test wickets. He has now conquered 99 players in the format.
The Asia Cup T20 competition is set to take place later that month, and Pakistan’s next obligation is a three-match ODI series beginning August 16 in the Netherlands. Whether Afridi’s ailment is severe enough to jeopardize his participation in those games is still up in the air.
Prior to the series’ final Test, which is also a part of the World Test Championship, Sri Lanka has its own injury problems. Offspinner Maheesh Theekshana was informed on Thursday that he will not be able to play in the second Test due to a finger injury.
