KARACHI: Pakistani opener Imam-ul-Haq has been ruled out of the series against South Africa due to a thumb fracture.
An X-ray report of Imam-ul-Haq’s thumb has come out. The 25-year-old, who sustained the injury while touring New Zealand, recently underwent scans which revealed he has yet to make a full recovery. However, the doctors advised the cricketer to rest for another week and a half and strictly forbade him from practice.
During the tour of New Zealand, Imam-ul-Haq had a ball on the thumb of his left hand and he could not play a single match. The national Test squad for the series against South Africa will be announced on 15th January. Chief selector national cricket team Muhammad Waseem has said that initially a 20-member Test squad will be announced.
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According to the chief selector of the national cricket team, he has first consulted all the six head coaches in the selection committee. Head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and captain of the national cricket team Babar Azam have also been consulted.
The tour of New Zealand for the series against South Africa and the performance of the players in domestic cricket has been thoroughly reviewed. He said that the final 16-member Test squad would be announced later after consultation with the team management and selection committee.
In Lahore, national cricketers are busy preparing for the home series against South Africa. Former captain Azhar Ali and fast bowler Wahab Riaz have started practice in Lahore along with national cricket team captain Babar Azam.
