Cricket: Pakistan batsman Babar Azam ruled out for Test 2 against Black Caps

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been ruled out for the second Test against the Black Caps in Christchurch next week.

The graceful right-hand hitter was unable to overcome a thumb injury sustained early in the team’s New Zealand tour, which ruled him out of the T20 series as well as the first test.

Azam had a full workout yesterday, but felt a slight pain in his thumb, so the team management has chosen not to take any chances. Mohammad Rizwan will once again be the team captain in Azam’s absence.

“We have seen an improvement in Babar Azam’s injury, but he has not fully recovered yet. He is our captain and the most important hitter in the lineup, so we do not want to take any risks,” said the Pakistan team doctor. , Dr. Sohail Saleem.

“The medical team is constantly reviewing his injury and we are hopeful that he will be available for the home series against South Africa.”

The Black Caps have their own injury issues for the test, and lockout Neil Wagner was ruled out due to toe injuries. Matt Henry was called up to the team in his place, and is expected to be in a bid for the pick for Game Day XI with all-rounder Daryl Mitchell.

Pakistan team for the second test against New Zealand: Mohammad Rizwan (captain, goalkeeper), Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Imran Butt, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Sohail Khan, Yasir Shah and Zafar Gohar