Injury scare for Pakistan ahead of Old Trafford Test

Pakistan suffered an injury scare ahead of the Old Trafford test after leg-spinner Yasir Shah suffered a worrying blow in the nets on Wednesday. Shah was hit while batting in the nets by one of his own bowlers, Daily Express reported. The 30-year-old snapped a 10 wicket haul in Pakistan’s victory at Lord’s last week.

The ball struck him on the left shoulder and was knocked down on the ground in pain for over a minute. Teammate Wahab Riaz came to his help and was attended by Pakistan’s team doctor before returning to the dressing room, holding his left arm. He looked in complete discomfort.

The team management assured that the key man will be fine and there were no concerns over his availability for the second Test starting on Friday. However, It remains to be seen if the further examination reveals damage to the bone.

England has bolstered their line-up in the wake of the loss to the visitors, including all-rounder Ben Stokes, fast-bowler James Anderson, and Adil Rashid. Anderson will return after being given an extra week to get fully fit.

With England hinting at using two spinners, a turning surface is expected at Old Trafford. All-rounder Stokes spoke about Yasir Shah as a potential match-winner on such kind of surface.

“Wahab [Riaz] looked hard work the other day when he got the ball to reverse, and in Yasir I think they have the best leg-spinner since Shane Warne,” said Stokes.

Pakistan fielding coach Steve Rixon also agreed with the England all-rounder.

“Generally speaking, Yasir [Shah] will have a major effect in any game of cricket. It doesn’t have to turn a lot for him to have an impact,” he said.

“When you have a magnificent control you are in the game, and there are very few who have had that. Shane Warne is one, and Yasir is rightfully sitting at the top of the tree for that reason.”