Abu Dhabi – Pakistan suffered a setback Friday when wicket-keeper Adnan Akmal was ruled out of the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka after fracturing a finger.
The country's cricket board (PCB) said Akmal hurt himself while taking a catch on the third day of the first Test in Abu Dhabi Thursday.
“Akmal got injured while taking a catch on the last ball of day three and has fractured his left hand Index finger,” the PCB said in a statement.
“Akmal has been ruled out for rest of the three-Test series. On the request of team management for replacement the national selection committee has decided to send Sarfraz Ahmed to join the Test squad.”
Akmal caught Sri Lankan opener Kaushal Silva for 81 in the last over of the day and appeared to hurt his finger which on X-ray later revealed a fracture.
Ahmed, 26, was part of Pakistan's one-day squad during the tour of Zimbabwe in August this year but has not been selected since then.
Ahmed, who has so far played four Tests, will join the squad in time for the second Test starting in Dubai from January 8.
The third Test will be played in Sharjah from January 16-20. – Sapa-AFP