Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad has been ruled out of the Test series against New Zealand, a day after suffering a minor skull fracture. He is likely to return for the two Twenty20 internationals and five ODIs against the Kiwis
Ahmed Shahzad
Abu Dhabi: Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad was on Tuesday ruled out of the Test series against New Zealand, a day after suffering a minor skull fracture, team manager Moin Khan said.
The 22-year-old, who made a career best 176 in Pakistan's first innings total of 566-3 declared, was hit by a bouncer during the second day of the first Test between the sides in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
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Pakistani batsman Ahmed Shahzad (L) reacts as he leaves the ground with physio Brad Robinson after hitting his wicket and being dismissed for 176 runs on the second day of the first Test match against Pakistan at the Zayed International Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Pic/AFP
Shehzad fell on the ground and during his fall hit the wickets with his bat for a hit-wicket dismissal.
Shehzad felt dizzy and had to be helped off the field by team physio Brad Robinson. He was rushed to a hospital where a scan revealed a minor fracture.
"We have decided to send him back after a skull fracture and advice to rest for four to six weeks," Khan told AFP.
Shehzad will miss the remaining two Tests, in Dubai (November 17-21) and in Sharjah (November 26-30). Khan said
Shehzad was likely to return for the two Twenty20 internationals in Dubai on December 4 and 5 and the following five one-day matches against New Zealand.
A specialist surgeon had advised 48 hours of close monitoring.
Pakistan already have two openers -- Taufiq Umar and Shan Masood -- in the 16-man squad and one of the two will replace Shehzad.
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