Ankle injury rules Saim Ayub out of second Test against South Africa

PCB confirmed Saim Ayub’s withdrawal from the second Test due to a right ankle injury, pending further treatment.

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Pakistan opener Saim Ayub has been ruled out of the ongoing Newlands Test against South Africa due to an ankle injury. The 22-year-old twisted his right ankle while fielding on the opening day of the second Test.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed Ayub’s withdrawal in an official statement, stating: “Saim Ayub has been ruled out of further participation in the second men’s cricket Test against South Africa after twisting his right ankle while fielding.”

The injury occurred in the seventh over when Ryan Rickelton edged a ball between gully and backward point. Ayub and Aamer Jamal gave chase, and while Jamal slid to flick the ball back in, Ayub slipped and injured his ankle.

Ayub immediately called for the physio and was later helped off the field. He was seen wearing a cast and was replaced by Abdullah Shafique.

Despite prolonged treatment, Ayub was unable to bear weight on his right ankle and appeared visibly distressed as he was stretchered off.The board also mentioned that Ayub underwent X-rays and MRI tests, and the reports have been sent to specialists in London for further advice on treatment and recovery.

With the timeline for his recovery still uncertain, his injury is a significant blow to Pakistan, as he is an integral part of the team across formats.

Ayub has been in exceptional form since the white-ball tour of Australia, scoring three centuries and a half-century in ODIs, and was named Player of the Series in the South Africa ODIs. His absence could impact Pakistan’s preparations for upcoming series, including their tour of New Zealand in February.