Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed has been taken to the hospital after he complained of high fever and body aches on the fourth morning of the ongoing first Test against England in Multan. The 26-year-old did not take the field at the start of Day 4 after bowling throughout the third day.
A statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), as reported by ESPN Cricinfo, said Abrar had undergone several tests, the results of which would revealed once received.
The leggie endured a torrid time with the ball during England's first innings, conceding 174 runs in his 35 overs without getting a wicket. Abrar debuted in Tests against the same opponents at the same venue two years ago and picked up 11 wickets in the match, including seven in the first innings.
While his 39 wickets in eight Tests isn't all that bad, his recent Test form has been iffy at best. Abrar has picked up only one wicket in his last four innings with the ball at a dismal average of 331.
He has also struggled with injuries throughout his brief career. Abrar Ahmed spent several years on the sidelines due to a back injury since his debut in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at just 18.
England produce record-breaking batting performance in Abrar Ahmed's absence on Day 4
Pakistan endured a forgettable fourth day of the first Test against England as the visitors piled on runs in their first innings.
Led by a triple-century from Harry Brook and a double ton from Joe Root, England finished on a massive 823/7 declared, capturing a lead of 267 runs. It was the fourth-highest team total in Test history and the highest since Sri Lanka's record 952/6 in 1997.
Pakistan also owned the dubious record of becoming only the second team after Zimbabwe to have six bowlers concede over 100 runs in an innings. The effect of England's carnage was seen when the hosts batted in their second innings.
Pakistan were reduced to 82/6 and faced the possibility of another home defeat (Bangladesh beat them 2-0 recently) before Agha Salman and Aamer Jamal added an unbeaten 70 to ensure no further damage was done until stumps on Day 4.
Pakistan still trail by 115 runs with only three wickets left (Abrar Ahmed won't bat) as they look to avoid a sixth consecutive Test defeat.
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