Pakistan vs New Zealand: Speedster Mohammad Abbas ruled out of third Test

Pakistan are currently playing a three-match Test series against New Zealand in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sarfraz Ahmed and Co didn’t make a good start as they slumped to a four-run defeat in the first Test at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Nevertheless, they made a comeback and drew level in the series with a win by an innings and 16 runs in Dubai.

In the meantime, the home team has been encountered with a massive blow as speedster Mohammad Abbas has been ruled out of the third Test in Abu Dhabi owing to a shoulder injury. The deciding encounter is scheduled to start on Monday, December 3. To add to his woes, Abbas could also miss the tour of South Africa next month as per reports in ESPNcricinfo.

Tough times for Abbas

The 28-year-old developed the injury during the Black Caps’ second innings while diving in the outfield. Nevertheless, he played the entire match with painkillers. The right-arm fast bowler underwent a shoulder scan on Wednesday and the same has led the management to rest him. It has also been learned that he is most likely to be out for three to four weeks.

With the leather in hand, Abbas didn’t have the best of series. He could only pick up a couple of wickets in the opening Test and then went wicketless in the second encounter. It was leg-spinner Yasir Shah’s brilliance with the ball that got Pakistan over the line in the previous contest. The fast bowling department is expected to be weakened in Abbas’ absence.

Abbas has had a huge impact of late in Test cricket. Recently, he became the second fastest Pakistan bowler to notch 50 Test wickets after Yasir Shah. In 12 Tests, the Sialkot-born player has racked up 61 wickets at a stupendous average of 16.62. In the two-Test series against the Aussies, Abbas finished as the leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets at an average of 10.58.

[interaction id=”5bfe7079803ddb6f9138f172″]

Get the latest Cricket News and updates, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.