Pakistan batter Shan Masood has been ruled out of the second Test against West Indies after hurting a finger, and the injury casts doubt over his availability for the forthcoming tour of England.
How the injury happened
Masood was Pakistan’s best performer in the opening Test, scoring 109 in the first innings, the only century of the match. During that innings a delivery from Jayden Seales struck the index finger of his left hand. He left the field on the fourth morning and later returned to bat at No. 8 in the second innings, making just three.
The Pakistan Cricket Board said scans and medical assessments showed the injury was serious enough to keep him out of the second Test. He is being treated under the supervision of the team’s medical staff.
Headingley on the horizon
The problem raises questions about the Test tour of England, where Pakistan open a three-match series at Headingley, Leeds, on August 19. It will be their first red-ball tour of England in almost six years.
Masood, who played county cricket for Yorkshire and knows Headingley well, will stay with the squad while he rehabilitates. Whether he features against England will depend on how quickly and how well he recovers in the coming weeks.
