Pakistan left-handed opening batsman Saeem Ayub has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa after spraining his right ankle while fielding at Newlands, Cape Town on Friday.
Ayub underwent X-ray and MRI tests this afternoon and the reports have been sent to specialists in London for further advice on treatment and a stay away from competitive cricket.
The incident took place during the opening session of the first day of the final Test. The home side came out of trouble with the help of centuries from Ryan Rickelton and captain Temba Boma as they scored 316/4 at the end of the first day.
Ayub limped off the field after suffering an ankle injury and was taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.
In the seventh over, a full length delivery from Mohammad Abbas was edged into the third wicket region by Ryan Rickleton through the slip cordon.
When Amir Jamal brought the ball back in from a boundary in the deep third-man region, Ayub ran to become the relay fielder but lost his balance and staggered backwards.
The 22-year-old appeared to be quite distraught as he was carried off the field after receiving medical attention.
While the extent of Ayub’s injury is not yet known, it is a major concern for Pakistan ahead of their packed schedule as they host the West Indies for a two-match Test series, followed by South Africa. Tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and then the highly anticipated ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
The left-handed opener has been an integral part of the Pakistan team in all formats and has been in exceptional form since the white-ball tour of Australia as he scored three centuries and a half-century in ODIs, while a half-century – An unbeaten innings of 98 runs. – Since then in T20Is.
Ayub also won the Man of the Series award in South Africa ODIs for his sensational performance. While the ICC has also shortlisted him for the Emerging Cricketer of the Year Award.