Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2017: Injured Mohammad Amir ruled out of ODI series
What's the story?
Pakistan have been dealt a major blow after an injury ruled Mohammad Amir out of the upcoming 5-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The pace spearhead picked up a shin injury during the ongoing second Test against the same opponents at Dubai and has been advised rest for the next two to three weeks by the team's medical staff.
A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) statement read, "The fast bowler (Amir) has been advised two to three weeks rest after he underwent an MRI scan today following complains of pain in his right shin. Amir will not bowl in the ongoing Test match at the Dubai Cricket Stadium but would be available to bat."
The background
Towards the end of the first day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Amir limped off the field midway through his 17th over after complaining of pain in his right shin.
The heart of the matter
Despite being kept under medical observation overnight by the team management, Amir returned to the stadium on the second day and resumed bowling. However, the left-armer could only manage three more overs before the pain flared up again. Upon receiving treatment with an ice-pack, he left the field for the second time in the match.
Following persistent pain, Amir underwent a MRI scan that confirmed a serious injury in his right shin. With the 25-year old not available to bowl in the second innings of this Test, Pakistan's chances of forcing a miraculous victory to save their proud record in the UAE have now decreased by a significant margin. Even though he has picked up just one wicket in the series thus far, the pacer's injury might increase the workload of the other bowlers in the lineup.
What's next?
If needed, Amir will come out to bat in the Test. The first ODI between the two teams is slated to take place on October 13th at the same venue. Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan and Ruman Raees are the specialist pacers in the squad, while Faheem Ashraf can chip in with some useful overs. It remains to be seen if the Pakistan selectors recall Wahab Riaz as Amir's replacement or decide to bolster their frail spin department.
Author's take
Considering the fact that he had walked off the field during the first day itself, it begs the question why Pakistan's team management did not take him for a scan immediately and allowed him to bowl with a shin injury on the second day.
If their performance in the tour thus far is anything to go by, then Pakistan will certainly miss Amir's services in the ODI series and hence should brace themselves for a tough assignment against a resuscitated Sri Lankan team.