Image Credit- AFP
Legspinner Abrar Ahmed’s recovery in time for the
third Test in Sydney is a cause for cautious optimism in the Pakistani camp.
Abrar bowled for a considerable amount of time in the nets during Pakistan’s
training session on Monday without seeming to be in any pain, despite missing
the first two Test matches due to a right leg injury.
Despite the fact that this is cause for hope, Abrar’s
injury does not ensure that he will play in the third Test. Although Abrar’s
history of injury problems makes any degree of certainty tricky, he was
initially ruled out following his complaint of “discomfort in his right
leg” during Pakistan’s tour match against Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra.
Abrar received injections as part of his treatment for
a condition that included paralysis in his muscles and a pinched nerve in his
right leg. However, Pakistan will watch how he recovers from today’s training
session and, if any serious pain or discomfort develops over the course of the
next 12 hours or so, that will determine whether or not he can start the final
Test.
Pakistan is also conscious of the possibility of Abrar
suffering an injury during a T20 World Cup year. He is in Pakistan’s team for
the forthcoming five-match Twenty20 International series against New Zealand,
and the Pakistan Cricket Board considers him to be a crucial Test spinner as
well as a useful white-ball asset.
Abrar, 25, made his Test debut against England in
December of last year, although he has only played six since. However, his 38
wickets thus far, including 11 in his maiden Test, along with Pakistan’s dearth
of spin bowling resources have elevated him to a key role. Even though he had
long-term, recurring ailments for a large portion of his early cricket career,
there were indications that he was moving past them. However, his latest injury
scare could undo some of the progress he has made.