Pakistan suffered a major setback in the second Test against South Africa as their in-form opener Saim Ayub was stretchered off the field with a right ankle injury. The 21-year-old, who has been in sublime touch across formats, will play no further part in the match, with his availability for the upcoming Champions Trophy now in serious doubt.
The Incident: A Chasing Mishap
The injury occurred early on Day 1 at Newlands when Ryan Rickelton edged a ball through the slips. Ayub, sprinting toward deep third to assist Aamer Jamal in a relay fielding effort, lost his balance and twisted his ankle.
The young batter immediately went down clutching his leg, visibly distressed. The team physio rushed to his aid, but Ayub couldn’t stand, let alone walk. With tears in his eyes, he was carried off the field on a stretcher as Pakistan’s hopes took a hit.
X-Rays and MRI Scans Confirm the Worst
Despite receiving prolonged treatment outside the boundary, Ayub’s condition did not improve. Shortly after the day’s play, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a statement confirming his unavailability for the remainder of the Test.
“Saim underwent X-rays and MRI tests this afternoon,” the statement read. “The reports have been sent to specialists in London for further advice on the treatment and time away from competitive cricket.”
The injury, which appeared serious at first glance, may keep him out of action longer than initially expected.
A Blow to Pakistan’s Plans
Ayub’s absence is a huge loss for Pakistan. The left-hander has been a breakout star, impressing with consistent performances in all formats. He was named Player of the Series in the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa, where he scored two hundreds in three games.
His all-format versatility made him a crucial part of Pakistan’s plans for the upcoming Champions Trophy, which the country is set to host in February. Now, his participation hangs by a thread.
“It’s a big blow, the kind of form he’s in,” team-mate Salman Ali Agha said at the close of play. “He would have been a great asset on this wicket. I wish him well and hopefully, he’ll be better soon.”
On-Field Impact
Pakistan’s troubles didn’t end with Ayub’s injury. His replacement, Abdullah Shafique, had a shaky start in the field. He dropped a straightforward catch from Aiden Markram at cover, though the mistake didn’t prove too costly, as Markram fell to Khurram Shahzad two overs later.
Pakistan’s bowlers managed to pull things back, but Ayub’s injury clearly rattled the visitors.
Ayub’s absence raises concerns about his recovery timeline. With the Champions Trophy just over a month away, Pakistan’s management will be anxiously awaiting updates from the medical team.
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