Big blow to Pakistan ahead of of England tour

Pakistan’s top ranked leg-spinner Yasir Shah has been ruled out of the series against Ireland and England after suffering a groin fracture last week.

The spinner missed the fitness test being held at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore along with spin-bowling all-rounder Imad Wasim and fast-bowler Sohail Khan, who are also injured.

With Yasir missing, the series offers a chance for young leg-spinner Shadab Khan to step up to the plate and perform in five-day cricket.

Several Pakistan Super League stars have also been invited to the fitness tests, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat and Sahibzada Farhan.

Middle-order batsman Fawad Alam is also part of the fitness tests but his chances of selection for the national squad seem slim despite his continued stellar performances in domestic cricket.

The team for the Test matches will be announced after the fitness tests.