If injuries were not enough, Pakistan have been hit by COVID-19 as well. Haris Rauf has tested positive for the deadly virus ahead of the first Test against Australia, which starts on Friday.
Rauf has not represented Pakistan in Test cricket and was expected to debut for the national team. He has been a part of 34 T20Is and 8 ODIs so far.
Earlier, Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf were ruled out of the opening Test due to injuries.
The two haven’t recovered from abductor and hamstring injuries, respectively, which they sustained during the recently concluded Pakistan Super League 2022.
The Pakistan Cricket Board said it expects both to regain fitness for the second Test.
Australia are playing in Pakistan after 24 years and will play three test matches, three one-day internationals and a one-off Twenty20 during the tour.
