Abrar Ahmed is likely to miss Pakistan’s first Test against Australia in Perth due to “discomfort in his right leg”. It is highly unlikely that he will recover in time for the December 14 Test. The PCB is considering alternatives for his replacement. After bowling 27 overs in a warm-up match, Abrar went off the field with discomfort and will undergo an MRI scan. His absence would leave left-arm spinner Noman Ali as the only specialist spin option in the current squad. Noman has played 15 Tests and taken 47 wickets, but the Optus Stadium in Perth is not conducive to his style of bowling. Pakistan may consider legspinners Usama Mir and Shadab Khan as replacements, but their recent performances may not make them strong candidates. The most prolific spinner in the latest Quaid-e-Azam trophy was uncapped 35-year-old Kashif Bhatti. Noman Ali and Zahid Mahmood were the next in line for consideration, but they are also older players.
