LAHORE: Leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood has replaced all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz in Pakistan’s squads for the One-day International series and the solitary Twenty20 game against Australia.

Nawaz was initially picked despite doubts over his availability due to a foot injury that he sustained during the Pakistan Super League earlier this year.

Zahid will also act as a cover for Pakistan’s white-ball vice-captain Shadab Khan, who has not fully recovered from a groin issue.

“Unfortunately, Moha­mmad Nawaz has not recovered fully from the foot injury he suffered during PSL 7,” chief selector Mohammad Wasim was quoted as saying in a Pakistan Cricket Board press release.

“We also need to reassess Shadab Khan’s fitness once he joins the squad before playing him in this high profile series which is very important for us in terms of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League points.”

Wasim said Zahid, who is also a part of Pakistan Test squad, will be an “adequate” replacement for spin-bowling all-rounders Nawaz, and Shadab, if needed.

Pakistan’s white-ball players are scheduled to assemble at the team hotel in Lahore on Tuesday and will start training on March 25 ahead of the first ODI on March 29. All three one-dayers and the T20 will be played here at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2022