Pakistan suffer a big blow ahead of ODIs against England

Pakistan suffer a big blow ahead of ODIs against England
21 Apr 2019

Pakistan are set to face England for a five-match ODI series starting May 5.

This is a pivotal series ahead of the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 in England and Wales.

And the Men in Green have been handed a blow with star spinner Shadab Khan being ruled out of the series with a viral infection.

Here are the details.

20-year-old Shadab is crucial for Pakistan
Shadab

Pakistan will be hoping that the 20-year-old spinner recovers in time ahead of the mega World Cup event.

He is an important asset for the side in terms of picking up wickets and providing the mobility.

Shadab is Pakistan's main spinner and will lead the mantle in the 2019 World Cup.

For now he has been advised to take a four-week rest.

Shadab to receive treatment in UK
Treatment

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated that the spinner will receive treatment in UK.

"Shadab's blood tests have revealed (a) virus and doctors have advised him a four week rest. Shadab is out of the five-match one-day series against England and a Twenty20 match."

The PCB also added that Shadab will meet with specialists in England to help him fully recover in time.

Yasir Shah replaces Shadab for the series against England
Replacement

According to a report in Geo News, the PCB has named veteran spinner Yasir Shah as a replacement for Shadab for the ODI series and the T20I match against England.

Yasir was named in the provisional 23-man squad earlier for the World Cup.

But he couldn't make the cut in the 15-member squad announced earlier last week.

A look at Shadab's ODI career
Fact

Shadab has played 34 ODIs for Pakistan and has taken 47 scalps. His economy-rate of 4.80 stands out to define his prowess. In 2018, Shadab was the highest ODI wicket-taker for Pakistan. He took 23 scalps with a best of 4/28.

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