More recovery time: Wahab out of T20Is against Sri Lanka

Pacer sits out as management has one eye on upcoming series against India, England.

KARACHI: Pakistan have withdrawn Wahab Riaz from the two-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with mutual consent between the bowler and the national selection committee with a view to keep him fit for important upcoming assignments against England and India.

Wahab had been nursing a fractured hand at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for the last few weeks after being hit on the wrist by Sri Lankan fast-bowling sensation Dushmantha Chameera in the second Test.

Wahab was flown back to Pakistan to start his rehabilitation process with the view of returning him to the side as soon as possible considering the importance of the ODI series.

However, with the five-match series already in the bag, Wahab was named for the T20I series with the option of fellow left-armer Ziaul Haq replacing him if his fitness was not up to the mark.



“Wahab has recovered well at the NCA with our medical panel but we had a conversation with him and decided that he should get more rest,” chief selector Haroon Rasheed told The Express Tribune. “He has been pulled out with mutual consent so that he can prepare for important assignments ahead where he will be needed more. He has been bowling well in the nets with good rhythm but he may experience pain while batting so we’ve decided to rest him a bit more.”

The 30-year-old has become a vital cog in Pakistan’s bowling with his searing pace and bounce, overtaking Mohammad Irfan and Junaid Khan as the pace spearhead of the side.

So far he has represented Pakistan in 12 Tests, 60 ODIs and nine T20Is, taking 35, 86 and eight wickets respectively.

He will now be replaced by rookie Ziaul Haq, who has been rated highly by the selectors as he generates pace and can bowl quick bouncers like Wahab which belie his slim frame.

The 20-year-old Zia represented Pakistan at the U19 level while he recently played for Pakistan A as well on their tour of Sri Lanka.

“The team is performing well at the moment and the players have showed that they can rise to the occasion in the absence of other players,” added Haroon.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 25^th,  2015.

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