Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf on Wednesday ruled out of the second Test against Australia starting on Saturday after he tested positive for COVID-19 upon coming in Karachi.
Faheem, who ruled out of the first Test due to health problems, arrived with the hosts and has sent to five-day isolation after a positive result. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that Faheem’s alternate would declared soon if the need occurs.
Amid tight safety, the Australian team also came Karachi and sent right from the terminal to the hotel. Both the squads will take part in a plenary practice session at the National Stadium on Thursday morning.
Pakistan’s team also went into the first Test without fast bowler Hasan Ali, who was unprepared. Fast bowler Haris Rauf also forfeited the first Test in Rawalpindi as he tested positive for COVID-19.
The 28-year-old medium pacer-all-rounder has featured in 13 Test matches for Pakistan so far and taken 22 wickets in his career. As a batsman the southpaw has slashed 632 runs with the assistance of 4 half-centuries, in which his average is of 35.
Ashraf played the previous Test for hosts on the Bangladesh trip in December 2021. He underwent a hamstring suffering during the 2022 Pakistan Super League season.
