Pakistan left-handed opening batsman Saim Ayub has been ruled out of the second Test match against South Africa after spraining his right ankle while playing at Newlands, Cape Town, on Friday.
Sime underwent X-ray and MRI tests this afternoon and reports have been sent to specialists in London for further advice on treatment and time away from competitive cricket.
The accident occurred during the opening session of the first day of the final exam. The hosts got out of trouble with the help of Ryan Rickleton and skipper Temba Bavuma as they scored 316/4 at the close of the first day.
Ayoub limped off the field after suffering an ankle injury and was taken to a nearby hospital for additional tests.
A full-length delivery from Mohammad Abbas was steered by Ryan Rickleton through the slip cordon and into the third wicket in the seventh over.
After Amer Jamal returned the ball out of bounds in deep third-man territory, Ayoub ran to be the relay player but lost his balance and stumbled backwards.
The 22-year-old looked completely uncomfortable when he was taken off the field after receiving medical attention.
While the extent of Ayub’s injury is not yet known, it is a major fear for Pakistan ahead of their busy schedule as they are scheduled to host the West Indies in a two-match Test series, followed by a three-nation ODI series against South Africa and New Zealand and then the Champions Trophy. ICC Men’s 2025 Upcoming.
The left-handed opener is an integral part of the Pakistan side across formats, and has been in exceptional form since the white-ball tour of Australia, scoring three centuries and two fifty in ODIs, while scoring two half-centuries – an unbeaten 98 knocks – in T20Is since. Now.
For his sensational performance, Ayub was also awarded the Player of the Series in the South African ODIs. Whereas, the ICC has shortlisted him for the Emerging Cricketer of the Year award as well.