Saim Ayub, Pakistan’s opener, was stretchered off after hurting his ankle, giving the team a worry at the beginning of Friday’s second Test match against South Africa in Cape Town.
Opening batsman Saim Ayub was stretchered off after hurting his ankle, giving Pakistan a scare at the beginning of Friday’s second Test match against South Africa in Cape Town. Ayub has been transported to the hospital for treatment, though it is still unknown how serious his injuries are. He was unable to support his weight on his right ankle on the field and showed signs of distress, including tears, following the injury. When Ryan Rickelton edged a ball through the slips in the seventh over, Ayub and Aamer Jamal chased it to deep third, where the injury occurred. Ayub, who was supposed to be the relay fielder, tripped and hurt his ankle as Jamal dragged the ball back.As the physio hurried to help, he instantly fell, gripping his lower leg in agony.Ayub’s lengthy treatment close to the border was followed by his stretcher off, which clouded Pakistan’s attempts. Soon later, Ayub’s replacement, Abdullah Shafique, made things worse by dismissing Aiden Markram with a simple opportunity at cover. Two overs later, Markram was thankfully dismissed by Khurram Shahzad, but the impact of Ayub’s absence was evident in the muted celebrations.
Pakistan has suffered a serious setback with Ayub’s defeat. A rising star in recent months, he scored two hundreds in three games to win Player of the Series in Pakistan’s 3-0 ODI victory over South Africa last month. Ayub is a crucial player for Pakistan as one of the few all-format regulars, especially since the Champions Trophy is only a few weeks away in February.After a thrilling two-wicket victory in Centurion, Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first, giving the hosts a 1-0 series lead and guaranteeing a position in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
