CAPE TOWN: Pakistan opening batter Saim Ayub has been ruled out of the ongoing second Test against South Africa here at Newlands due to an ankle injury, the country’s cricket board confirmed on Friday.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated that the young opening batter underwent scans after twisting his ankle while fielding during the first session of the opening day of the Cape Town Test.
“Saim Ayub has been ruled out of further participation in the second men’s cricket Test against South Africa after twisting his right ankle while fielding,” the PCB shared in a statement.
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They further disclosed that his medical reports would be forwarded to specialists in London for a thorough evaluation of the severity of the injury.
“Saim underwent X-rays and MRI tests this afternoon and the reports have been sent to specialists in London for further advice on the treatment and time away from competitive cricket.”
The incident occurred in the seventh over of South Africa’s first innings when Ryan Rickelton played a fuller-length delivery from Mohammad Abbas past the slip cordon into the deep third-wicket region.
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Saim, quick on his feet, dashed in to act as the relay fielder, as Aamir Jamal valiantly attempted to haul the ball back from the boundary at deep third-man.
However, in a heartbreaking moment, Saim lost his balance and stumbled backwards, struggling to regain his footing.
He was attended to by medical staff on the field, but his painful grimaces made it evident that he was in significant distress. Ultimately, he was carried off the field after he struggled to stand on his feet.
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