SA vs PAK: Saim Ayub stretchered off the field after horror ankle injury

Pakistan were dealt a body blow on the first day of their second Test against South Africa in Newlands, Cape Town, as opener Saim Ayub was stretchered off the field after a nasty slip that saw him injure his ankle severely. 

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.

Nevertheless, despite losing Ayub, Pakistan enjoyed a fine morning session after losing the toss, reducing South Africa to 72/3.