Ayub, who incurred a fractured ankle during the second Test against South Africa in January failed to rehabilitate in due time to play a part in the Champions Trophy. Previously, he was omitted from the mega-events squad with Fakhar Zaman filling the void. Three days before the due date to make amendments to the respective Champions Trophy squad, PCB clarified that Ayub would take at least ten weeks from the injury to get back in action.
“Pakistan opener Saim Ayub is progressing well in his recovery from a right ankle fracture and will continue his rehabilitation in England. Following comprehensive MRI scans, X-rays, and medical assessments, Saim has been ruled out for 10 weeks from the date of injury (3 January),” the release cited.
Ayub tried to chase down the ball steered to third man by Ryan Rickelton in the second Test when he caught up with an ankle injury. Seemed in agony, the youngster was trudged off the field in stretches, being ruled out of the series. While it was mentioned that the left-handed batter would take five weeks to recover, he’s likely to take five more weeks from now to be applicable for the fitness test.
The PCB mentioned that the southpaw’s “availability for the New Zealand tour will be subject to clearing all fitness tests and medical requirements.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan are drafted in Group A of the Champions Trophy with New Zealand, India, and Bangladesh being the other participants.
