Pakistan vs Australia: Imam-ul-Haq ruled out of the second Test

While the first Test match between Pakistan and Australia is interestingly poised on the field in Dubai, the hosts have been dealt with a blow. Their opener Imam-ul-Haq has been ruled out of the second and final Test of the series due to a fractured finger. He hurt the fifth finger of his left hand while fielding during the final day’s play and after a few scans, a crack has been revealed.

Imam’s injury has come at a wrong time for Pakistan as he was looking in good form. He had notched up the scores of 76 and 48 in the two outings in the series opener and would’ve played a key role for his team. The second innings has been a bit painful for the cricketer as he had to field without his specs as well. On the fourth day, his spectacles broke and was finding it difficult to cope up without it.

With the way, the things are going in Dubai currently, the match is most likely to end in a draw. The Australian batsmen have put on a sensational resistance on the final day of the match and Imam’s injury weakens the strong top-order of Pakistan come the second Test.

The news of Imam getting ruled out of the series was confirmed by Geo News who had also earlier reported that the cricketer was doubtful for the next game.

Who will replace Imam?

Imam-ul-Haq’s injury will give a great opportunity to Fakhar Zaman now to replace him and score big. He is the only other opener in the squad and the left-hander will be looking forward to making his Test debut in Abu Dhabi. Fakhar is coming off a poor Asia Cup and was criticised a lot for his non-performance and this is a brilliant chance for him to rejuvenate himself and make the opportunity count.

The second and final Test match of the series will be commencing on October 16 and both the teams would be keen to win the series depending on what transpires in the final session of Dubai Test.

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