Pakistan vs Australia: Hasan, Faheem to miss Rawalpindi Test
What's the story
Ahead of Pakistan's historic Test series against Australia, the hosts have suffered a blow as Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf have been ruled out of the first Test due to injuries.
Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Wasim Jnr have been named as their replacements for the Rawalpindi Test.
Ashraf is out with a hamstring strain, while Hasan has suffered an abductor strain.
Context
Why does this story matter?
This is Australia's first tour of Pakistan in 24 years and the hosts will look to put up a commanding display.
However, ahead of the start of the tour, Pakistan's Test team has been left depleted with injuries.
The tour is also part of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle and both sides will look to gain maximum points.
Statement
PCB on Hasan and Ashraf
"Faheem (Ashraf) and Hasan (Ali) will rejoin the squad in the coming week and, after completing their three-day mandatory isolation, integrate with the rest of the squad during the first Test," the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a release.
"Both are expected to regain full fitness before the second Test that will be played in Karachi 12-16 March," it added.
Quote
PCB on Iftikhar and Wasim's inclusion
"Both Iftikhar and Wasim (chosen due to their all-round ability) will reach Islamabad tonight and start their three-day isolation at the team hotel, after which they will join the rest of the squad after clearing Covid tests," PCB said.
Duo
Pakistan will miss the services of Hasan and Faheem
Pakistan will miss the services of both Hasan and Faheem at least in the series opener against Australia.
In Faheem, Pakistan have a genuine pace-bowling all-rounder.
As per ESPNcricinfo, he averaged 40 with the bat in 2021 and took 10 wickets.
His compatriot Hasan was the third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket last year.
He scalped 41 wickets at an average of 16.
Tour
Australia's last tour of Pakistan
Australia last traveled to Pakistan in 1998 for Test and ODI series.
Australia had won the three-match Test series 1-0.
They also won the ODI series 3-0.
Australia men's cricket team is scheduled to play three Tests, as many ODIs, and a one-off T20I against Pakistan this time around, starting March 4.
Australia had named their Test squad earlier this month.
Information
Pakistan vs Australia: Schedule
Here's the complete schedule: 1st Test, Rawalpindi (March 4-8), 2nd Test, Karachi (March 12-16), 3rd Test, Lahore (March 21-25), 1st ODI, Rawalpindi (March 29), 2nd ODI, Rawalpindi (March 31), 3rd ODI, Rawalpindi (April 2), one-off T20I, Rawalpindi (April 5).