In a crucial ICC World Test Championship series, Pakistan faced a tense moment when their wicketkeeper-batsman, Sarfaraz Ahmed, suffered a head injury after being struck by a bouncer from Asitha Fernando on day three. Despite the blow, Sarfaraz bravely continued to bat, but later showed signs of being unwell during the match against Sri Lanka.
Under the observation of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical panel, it was deemed necessary to replace Sarfaraz due to the concussion he sustained. Following the ICC Playing Conditions, which permit a like-for-like replacement in such cases, Mohammad Rizwan was brought in as Sarfaraz’s concussion substitute. Rizwan, an experienced wicketkeeper-batsman, will be eligible to bat in the ongoing innings.
Amidst the concerns over Sarfaraz’s health, Pakistan found solace in the remarkable performance of Abdullah Shafique, who notched an unbeaten double century. His outstanding innings significantly bolstered Pakistan’s first-innings lead, aided by their bowling attack’s dominant display that saw Sri Lanka being dismissed for a mere 166 runs on Day 1.
With this latest update, Pakistan finds themselves in a promising position in the ICC World Test Championship series, leading 1-0. As the competition intensifies, fans and cricket enthusiasts will closely monitor Sarfaraz’s health and Rizwan’s potential contribution in this crucial Test match.