Yasir Shah suffers injury scare ahead of Old Trafford Test

30-year-old was left on the ground writhing in pain for over a minute towards the end of his batting session in nets

Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah suffered a worrying injury scare on Wednesday when he was knocked to the floor in the practice nets by one of his own bowlers, Daily Express reported.

The 30-year-old, who was instrumental in Pakistan’s victory at Lord’s last week, was left on the ground writhing in pain for over a minute towards the end of his batting session in the nets, after being struck with the ball on his left shoulder.

Yasir was helped up by pacer Wahab Riaz and attended by Pakistan’s team doctor before returning to the dressing room, holding his left arm, in clear discomfort.



The team management insisted that the spinner would be fine and was not in doubt for the second Test starting on Friday. However, they will be hoping the injury does not stiffen up or further examination reveal damage to the bone.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes and fast-bowler James Anderson will return for the second Test after being given an extra week to get fully fit. And the all-rounder identified Yasir as a potential match-winner on a turning surface at Old Trafford.



“Wahab [Riaz] looked hard work the other day when he got the ball to reverse, and in Yasir I think they have the best leg-spinner since Shane Warne,” said Stokes.

Pakistan fielding coach Steve Rixon also agreed with the England all-rounder.

“Generally speaking, Yasir [Shah] will have a major effect in any game of cricket. It doesn’t have to turn a lot for him to have an impact,” he said.

“When you have magnificent control you are in the game, and there are very few who have had that.

“Shane Warne is one, and Yasir is rightfully sitting at the top of the tree for that reason.”