ISLAMABAD
The inclusion of injury-pronged Pakistani batter Shadab Khan as the opener in the upcoming Pakistan vs Australia ODI series is doubtful. He is unlikely to play in the first two fixtures, The News reported, citing sources.
Well-informed sources said the cricketer’s groin injury persists and continues to haunt him.
“He is not comfortable with his injury and is likely to miss the series opener against Australia on March 29,” sources said.
But doctors are yet to declare him unfit.
Meanwhile, sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that the final decision on his selection is expected a day ahead of the start of the series.
Shadab’s injury has been a worrying issue for the country in the wake of heavy international engagements the country’s cricket is facing in days to come. West Indies are expected here in a couple of months. Pakistan are to figure in the T20 Asia Cup and later the World Cup, Shadab fitness is considered a key.
Australian team arrives in Pakistan for T20, ODI series
The series will feature three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and the one-off T20 International (T20I) from March 29 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
The Australian cricket team landed at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore last Thursday.
Meanwhile, skipper Aaron Finch, Sean Abbott, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Ellis, Ben McDermott, Ben Dwarshuis, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa will link with the remainder of the squad following the final Test.
The squad will commence training on Sunday in preparation for the first ODI on Tuesday. Lahore will host the four white-ball matches from March 29 to April 5.
Pakistan’s ODI squad
Babar Azam (captain)
Shadab Khan (vice-captain)
Abdullah Shafique
Asif Afridi
Asif Ali
Fakhar Zaman
Haider Ali
Haris Rauf
Hasan Ali
Iftikhar Ahmed
Imam-Ul-Haq
Khushdil Shah
Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper)
Mohammad Nawaz
Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper)
Mohammad Wasim Jnr
Saud Shakeel
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Shahnawaz Dahani
Usman Qadir
Australia’s ODI and T201 squad
Aaron Finch (c)
Sean Abbott
Ashton Agar
Jason Behrendorff
Alex Carey
Nathan Ellis
Cameron Green
Travis Head
Josh Inglis
Marnus Labuschagne
Mitchell Marsh
Ben McDermott
Kane Richardson
Steve Smith
Marcus Stoinis
Adam Zampa
Ben Dwarshuis
Schedule of ODI, T20I series
March 29: First ODI, Lahore
March 31: Second ODI, Lahore
April 2: Third ODI, Lahore
April 5: Only T20I, Lahore
