Blow to PAK; pacer ruled out of 3rd Test vs New Zealand

Pakistan have received a big blow ahead of the third and the decider Test against New Zealand. The team’s frontline pace bowler Mohammad Abbas has been ruled out of the game thanks to a shoulder injury.

Abbas to miss 3rd Test, may comeback for SA series

The pace bowler had hurt his shoulder while fielding in the second Test against New Zealand. Abbas then took scans to check the severity of his injury and it seems that it will take some time for his injury to heal.

PCB stated that Abbad underwent a scan on Wednesday which confirmed an injury to his shoulder. The team management also noted that he will undergo further clinical assessment before they make a final decision regarding his availability for the 3rd Test.

Intitally it was reported that Abbas’ injury might take upto four months to heal but later on it was revealed that the injury isn’t that serious and the pace bowler might make a comeback in the team for the all important series against South Africa in December.

Pakistan's Mohammad Abbas might miss the final Test against New Zealand.

Details ?https://t.co/baMKese93v pic.twitter.com/xHLTekZpki

— ICC (@ICC) November 29, 2018

Abbas’ dream run in Test cricket so far

The 28-year-old pace bowler has had a dream start to his Test career. In 12 Tests so far, he has 61 wickets at a strike rate of 42.4. But wht stands out is his average of 16.61 which ranks him among the best in the business.

Abbas has been terffiic for Pakistan with his consistent bowling and has claimed four five-wicket hauls in just 23 Test innings.

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He played a major role in the Test win against Australia as he picked ten wickets in that Test. However he is going through a rare lean patch in the ongoing series against New Zealand. He has picked only two wickets in four innings so far and went wicket-less in three of them.