LAHORE: Pakistan’s key middle-order batsman Azhar Ali has been ousted of the opening Test against England that starts on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, Pakistan Cricket Board eventually announced this on Sunday.
Azhar is suffering from a toe injury which he received during the recent series against Zimbabwe.
‘He will not be playing in the first Test,’ Pakistan Team Manager Intikhab Alam said. ‘His wounds are almost dried up but he is not comfortable wearing his shoe and didn’t take part in training activities since we are here.’
Azhar’s ruling out, which had been suspected for many days, is a substantial setback for Pakistan.
England’s bowlers will be grateful for his absence as he had made a match-winning 92 not out against England at The Oval in 2010 and completed the 3-0 whitewash on their last tour of the UAE with a second-innings 157 at Dubai, after Pakistan had been bowled out for 99 in their first innings.
Azhar’s absence means that one of Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammad Hafeez is likely to fill the void at No3, with Shan Masood set to retain his opener’s role following his match-winning century against Sri Lanka at Pallekele in July.
