NEWS
Follow UsPakistan opener Saim Ayub has been ruled out of the ongoing second Test against South Africa in Cape Town due to an ankle injury. On day one, the 22-year-old had to be stretchered off the field after a nasty slip that saw him injure his ankle severely.
"Saim Ayub has been ruled out of further participation in the second men's cricket Test against South Africa after twisting his right ankle while fielding," the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a release.
"Saim underwent X-rays and MRI tests this afternoon, and the reports have been sent to specialists in London for further advice on the treatment and time away from competitive cricket."
The injury occurred in the seventh over of the Test when Ayub, alongside Aamer Jamal, went to pick up a Ryan Rickleton outside edge that had raced towards third man. Jamal ran to the ball first, and Ayub went as a backup, but while trying to put the brakes on, as he collected the ball, the 22-year-old slipped, fell awkwardly and injured his ankle.
He grimaced in pain and was attended to by the physios immediately. He was first taken off the field and then had to be stretchered off the ground.
Visuals showed Ayub struggling to put any weight on his foot, with his ankle completely strapped. The extent of Ayub’s injury is unknown and it remains to be seen if the left-hander will be fit enough to bat for the visitors.
Pakistan managed to reduce South Africa to 72/3 but Ryan Rickelton (176*) and Temba Bavuma (107) put on 235 runs for the fourth wicket to put the hosts in a commanding position. South Africa ended day one at 316/4 in 80 overs.
