Veteran keeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed has been ruled out of the ongoing second Test against Sri Lanka being played at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo on July 26, 2023 and Mohammad Rizwan replaced him as a concussion substitute.
Sarfaraz Ahmed was hit on the back of the head by a bouncer from Asitha Fernando off the very first ball he faced in the afternoon session of the third day’s play, which was the first ball with the second new ball.
Ahmed had stepped down the pitch to play the ball, but in an effort to duck, was hit on his head and went for four leg-byes. Following a concussion test as required, Sarfaraz was cleared to continue and continued to bat for another five overs.
In that time, he scored three boundaries, but he also had to ask for Pakistani physiotherapist Cliffe Deacon, pointing to the back of his head where the blow had struck him. He left the field after a couple of minutes.
Mohammad Rizwan Replaces Sarfaraz Ahmed For Rest Of The Test After David Boon Approves Pakistan’s Request For Concussion Substitute
Concussion substitution regulations require an official assessment of concussion to be provided to match officials and it was duly given to the match referee David Boon.
“Sarfaraz Ahmed has been replaced by Mohammad Rizwan as a concussion substitute in the ongoing second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Singhalese Sports Club after match referee David Boon accepted the Pakistan team management’s request for the substitution.
Sarfaraz was hit on his head while ducking a bouncer by Asitha Fernando in the afternoon session on day three. He remains under the observation of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical panel,” PCB statement read.
? Sarfaraz Ahmed has been replaced by Mohammad Rizwan as a concussion substitute in the ongoing second #SLvPAK Test.
He remains under the observation of the PCB’s medical panel. https://t.co/sotkSmO6I3
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 26, 2023
Rizwan will now be allowed to bat in this innings and is a like-for-like replacement as wicketkeeper-batter.