Shadab Khan a long shot to make playing XI against Australia

Shadab Khan is a long shot to make the squad for the first two One Day International matches agaisnt Australia in Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Shadab is yet to recover adequate match fitness after sustaining a groin injury while captaining Islamabad United in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League. Asif Ali led United in his absence before he returned to lead the side in the second Eliminator against Lahore Qalandars in a losing effort.

Though the 23-year-old has gotten recovered from the injury to a great extent, he has been unable to train fully without limitations.

Pakistan Cricket team’s vice-captain is expected to miss the first two one-day internationals as a result. A fitness test will determine his fate for the final ODI of the series depending on the scenario but the team management is rightly reluctant to field him as it can worsen the injury with the T20 world cup taking place later this year.

Shadab Khan last played competitive cricket for Northern in the ongoing Pakistan Cup but managed only two appearances, taking two wickets in the process.

The selection committee has already announced leg-spinner, Zahid Mahmood, as Shadab’s backup who replaced Mohammad Nawaz after the left-arm spinner was ruled out of the entire series due to a foot injury.

Australia are dealing with injury troubles of their own with Steve Smith and Kane Richardson being ruled out of the limited over leg.

The first ODI of the three-match series between the sides starts on March 29 where Pakistan will be looking to bounce back after losing the three test match series 1-0.