Azhar Ali Returns Home, In Doubt for Second Test Against England
Azhar Ali, who missed the first Test due to a foot injury, will miss the second Test due to the death of his mother-in-law.
Pakistan's key batsman Azhar Ali will return home following the death of his mother-in-law and is unlikely to play in the second Test against England starting in Dubai on Thursday. (Latest Cricket News)
The 30-year-old did not play in the first Test, which ended in a draw in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, due to a foot infection.
Team manager Intikhab Alam said Ali would return home and it was not clear if he would be able to rejoin the squad before the Test.
"Its sad that Ali has to return home following the death of his mother-in-law and his return before the second Test will depend on his visa for the United Arab Emirates," said Alam.
Azhar had recovered well from his foot infection and trained on Friday and Saturday. Pakistan will have the services of leg-spinner Yasir Shah who regained full fitness after missing the first Test due to back spasm.
Pakistan have also called up offspinner Bilal Asif in the Test squad as cover for Azhar. Asif, who was reported for a suspect action, will be in the squad in case Azhar fails to make it back in time for the second Test.