Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad was earlier today ruled out of the Test series against New Zealand, a day after suffering a minor skull fracture, team manager Moin Khan said.
The 22-year-old, who made a career best 176 in Pakistan’s first innings total of 566-3 declared, was hit by a bouncer during the second day of the first Test between the sides in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
Shehzad fell on the ground and during his fall hit the wickets with his bat for a hit-wicket dismissal. He was rushed to a hospital where a scan revealed a minor fracture. “We have decided to send him back after a skull fracture and advice to rest for four to six weeks,” Khan said.
Shehzad will miss the remaining two Tests, in Dubai (Nov 17-21) and in Sharjah (Nov 26-30).
A specialist surgeon had advised 48 hours of close monitoring.