Injured Saim Ayub ruled out of game for six weeks

MRI confirms ankle fracture after young opener slipped in second Test while fielding

Pakistan's opening batter Saim Ayub has been sidelined from competitive cricket for up to six weeks after fracturing his right ankle. The injury occurred during the first day of the second Test against South Africa at Newlands on Friday.

Ayub sustained the injury while fielding in the seventh over of the match. As Ryan Rickelton edged a ball between gully and backward point, Ayub and Aamer Jamal chased it down. Jamal managed to flick the ball back in, but Ayub slipped and twisted his ankle. He called for medical assistance immediately and was helped off the field.

Following the incident, an MRI confirmed the fracture, and Ayub's ankle has been immobilized in a medical moon boot. Despite receiving extended treatment, he was unable to put weight on his injured leg and appeared distressed as he was stretchered off. He was later replaced by Abdullah Shafique on the field.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement confirming his unavailability for the remainder of the Test. The board also shared that Ayub's X-rays and MRI reports have been sent to specialists in London for further advice on his treatment and recovery.

Ayub will stay with the team in South Africa and return to Pakistan with the squad after the match concludes. His recovery timeline remains uncertain, but initial estimates suggest he could be out for six weeks, a significant blow to Pakistan's plans for upcoming series.

The 22-year-old batter has been in superb form recently, excelling across all formats. He was the Player of the Series in the South Africa ODIs and has scored three centuries and a half-century since the white-ball series in Australia. His absence could affect Pakistan's preparations for their tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa in February.