Wahab Riaz out of second Test with fractured hand

Published June 26, 2015
Riaz was struck on the gloves by a delivery from Sri Lanka fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera while batting. — AFP
Riaz was struck on the gloves by a delivery from Sri Lanka fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera while batting. — AFP

Pakistan's ace fast bowler Wahab Riaz was ruled out of the second Test against Sri Lanka after fracturing his left-hand on the first day.

Riaz, who played a vital role in Pakistan's thumping win in the first Test, was hit on his bowling hand by a Dushmantha Chameera bouncer while batting.

The 29-year-old Pakistan paceman delivered nine overs but appeared in discomfort until he was taken off. Scans on his hand confirmed a hairline fracture, ruling him out of proceedings in Colombo.

“Wahab underwent X-rays after play on Thursday and they showed a hairline fracture on his left-hand,” team manager Naveed Cheema told reporters.

“He can't play for at least two weeks.”

Pakistan were shot out for 138 in their first innings just before tea on the opening day and with the Sri Lanka ending the day on 70/1, Misbah-ul-Haq's side were already in a bit of strife. Riaz's injury will compound Pakistan's woes who are already without the services of Mohammad Hafeez who has been reported again for a suspect action.

Junaid Khan, Yasir Shah and Zulfiqar Babar will share the burden in the absence of the left-arm quick. And with Ehsan Adil and Imran Khan on the bench, it is unclear whether Pakistan will risk Riaz in the third Test should it become a decider.

Opinion

Editorial

Energy inflation
Updated 23 May, 2024

Energy inflation

The widening gap between the haves and have-nots is already tearing apart Pakistan’s social fabric.
Culture of violence
23 May, 2024

Culture of violence

WHILE political differences are part of the democratic process, there can be no justification for such disagreements...
Flooding threats
23 May, 2024

Flooding threats

WITH temperatures in GB and KP forecasted to be four to six degrees higher than normal this week, the threat of...
Bulldozed bill
Updated 22 May, 2024

Bulldozed bill

Where once the party was championing the people and their voices, it is now devising new means to silence them.
Out of the abyss
22 May, 2024

Out of the abyss

ENFORCED disappearances remain a persistent blight on fundamental human rights in the country. Recent exchanges...
Holding Israel accountable
22 May, 2024

Holding Israel accountable

ALTHOUGH the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor wants arrest warrants to be issued for Israel’s prime...