Sportzwiki has learnt that team management of Pakistan, on Monday has been looking forward to sending fast bowler Mohammad Abbas as the replacement of their premier fast bowler Wahab Riaz, who twisted his ankle during bowling against arch-rivals India on June 4 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
The broad-shouldered Riaz was ruled out of the 2017 Champions Trophy owing to the injury, according to Pakistan’s national board.
As the reports suggested Mohammad Abbas is an ideal candidate to replace Riaz, the doctors in the United Kingdom has suggested former to take the rest of at least 10 days, in a bid to recover from the foot injury which he picked on Sunday.
In the rain-affected game, the 31-year-old Riaz twisted his ankle before India posted 319 on board in their 48 allotted overs The reports suggested Riaz straightaway went to close in hospital where he had undergone X-ray tests before specialists recommended him to take a much-required break from the on-field exercise.
The media reports further added Riaz visited the hospital on crutches, as he didn’t return for the batting which Pakistan lost eventually by 124 runs after posting 164 for nine in 33.4 overs.
After being livid with Sunday’s humiliating loss against Virat Kohli-led India, the fresh reports revealed head coach Mickey Arthur has asked the team management for the immediate replacement of Riaz.
“I don’t know why they’re cramping. That’s something that I need to take up with the medical team,” chief coach Mickey Arthur told Dawn.
However, PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan is yet to respond his query, but the sources revealed young fast bowler Abbas will be the addition to the squad. Moreover, left-arm fast bowler Junaid Khan and Fahim Ashraf are the two options available for Sarfraz Ahmed-led Pakistan before a replacement will be flown to the United Kingdom as Pakistan is scheduled to play their two remaining crucial games against Sri Lanka and South Africa in the Group B fixture.
Coming to the conclusion, Riaz, who has struggled in the recent past to maintain line and the length, has featured in 79 One-day Internationals for Pakistan in which he claimed 102 wickets at an average of 34.34. However, the 27-year-old Mohammad Abbas has featured in 40 List A games in which he has bagged 54 wickets before playing three Tests to claim 15 wickets against Windies at the average of 19.20.