Abdullah Fazal Pakistan opener ruled out of West Indies, England Test tours with back injury

Abdullah Fazal is set to miss Pakistan’s Test series against the West Indies and England after suffering a lower back injury during a training session, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed.

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The PCB said Fazal picked up the injury on Thursday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, where Pakistan will play the opening Test against the West Indies. The board has not yet announced a replacement.

The 23-year-old has impressed since making his Test debut against Bangladesh in May. He scored half-centuries in both innings of his first Test and finished as Pakistan’s highest run-scorer in the match.

Fazal also carried his fine form into Pakistan’s tour match against a West Indies Select XI. He remained unbeaten in both innings after scoring 50 and 48, making him a certain starter for the first Test.

His absence is likely to hand middle-order batter Awais Zafar his Test debut. Pakistan added Zafar to the squad after Saud Shakeel missed selection because of fitness concerns. Meanwhile, Imam-ul-Haq is expected to return as an opener after missing the previous Test against Bangladesh.

PCB confirms rehabilitation period

The PCB did not disclose how Fazal suffered the injury during training. However, it said an MRI scan and clinical assessment confirmed that he would require a rehabilitation programme before returning to action.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam wished the youngster a speedy recovery.

“I wish Abdullah good luck and hope he recovers well. The kind of talent he is I found very inspiring. He was very confident after his first series and his morale was very high.”

Major setback before overseas Tests

The injury is a significant setback for Fazal at an important stage of his career. He had the chance to strengthen his place in Pakistan’s Test side during two challenging overseas assignments.

Pakistan will play two Tests in the West Indies before travelling to England for a three-match Test series in August.