Khurram Shahzad ruled out of the Test series against Australia

Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against Australia as he sustained a rib stress fracture and abdominal muscle tear. 

As per reports, the pacer had soreness while bowling on his debut first Test in Perth and when sent for scans, revealed a fracture in his left tenth rib. He will also not be a part of the Melbourne or Sydney tests. 

"PCB will now consult a specialist in Australia after which a final management protocol will be established for the player," a statement said. "He will then return to the NCA in Lahore where he will continue his injury management and rehabilitation."

The 24-year-old in Perth took the wicket of Steve Smith twice in the match and claimed 3 for 45 in the second innings shattering the wickets of David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne. 

With another injury, Pakistan's bowling injury woes increased. Naseem Shah was already out of the tour with a long-term injury, while the leg spinner Abrar Ahmed missed the first test due to discomfort in his right leg and his participation in the upcoming matches is a doubt. 

Also, Norman Ali, the leg spinner who replaced him, suffered a finger injury as per head coach Mohammad Hafeez. Sajid Khan who came in as his cover, arrived too late to participate in the first Test match and is the much-anticipated option for the second test with Pakistan as a special spinner.

If the Pak management thinks of a like-for-like replacement for Shahzad, they have Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim Jnr in their squad. 

The Pakistan Cricket Team will play a two-day match against a Victorian XI at the Junction Oval commencing on December 22.  It will not be counted as a first-class match, allowing the Pakistan side to give their players a trial run as per their needs. 

For now, Pakistan are 1-0 down in the series after getting defeated by 360 runs against Australia in Perth. The Men in Green have never won a Test Series in Australia since 1995.