KARACHI: Pakistan suffered a major blow on Thursday when it was announced that seamer Mohammad Abbas has been ruled out of the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi.

According to a brief PCB media release, the 28-year-old Abbas injured his right shoulder while fielding during the second Test in Dubai. He underwent a scan on Wednesday which confirmed an injury to his shoulder.

Abbas — who went wicket-less for the first time in his 12-match career — will undergo further clinical assessment before the team management will make a final call regarding his availability for the final Test that starts at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Monday.

Pakistan won the Dubai Test by an innings and 16 runs to level the series after New Zealand had sealed a dra­m­atic four-run victory in the opening Test in Abu Dhabi.

Abbas, who made his Test debut against West Indies at Kingston in April 2017, has claimed 61 wickets at an impressive 16.62.

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2018