For the Perth Test against Australia, Pakistan will bring back a veteran off-break bowler to replace the injured Abrar Ahmed

Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan’s recently discovered mystery spinner, will not participate in the first Test match against Australia, which is scheduled to begin in Perth on December 14. During Pakistan’s tour match against the Prime Minister’s XI, the 25-year-old spinner left the field due to acute discomfort in his right leg, specifically around the knee.

Sajid Khan, a right-arm off-break bowler, has been selected by selectors chairman Wahab Riaz to replace Abrar in the Perth Test. Sajid is expected to report to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in Perth after “his travel arrangement is finalized”.

Notably, Abrar’s exclusion from the full series has not yet been confirmed. Under medical supervision, he will stay with the team and finish his recuperation.

“On Monday, Abdul will have an intervention in Perth. Following that, he will get conservative therapy under the guidance of the team’s medical personnel to further advance his recuperation. Although he hasn’t been ruled out of the test series just yet, more evaluation before to the second test will determine his availability on this trip, with the player’s welfare for this and future tours being the first concern, according to the PCB announcement.

“In the meanwhile, off-spinner Sajid Khan’s name has been authorized by Wahab Riaz, head of the selection committee, in response to a request from the team management. Sajid will visit Perth when his travel plans are confirmed,” the statement said.

In his seven Test matches as a Pakistani player, Sajid has claimed 22 wickets at an average of 37.81. So far, he has taken five wickets and a four-wicket haul in his Test matches.