Pakistan’s Shan Masood sustains fractured finger during first Test
Pakistan batsman Shan Masood suffered a fractured finger after being struck by a Jayden Seales delivery on the third day of the first Test in Tarouba.
The injury forced a major reshuffle in the visitors’ batting order. Masood, who scored a century in the first innings, missed the opening hour of fielding on the fourth morning and was unable to bat in his customary No. 3 position.
He eventually emerged at No. 8 after his team suffered a disastrous start to their chase of 211. Pakistan lost three wickets before lunch and another three early in the second session to collapse to 53 for 6. Operating effectively with one less recognised batsman, bowling all-rounder Aamer Jamal had to move up the order to No. 6.
Shan Masood might be out of upcoming games
Masood’s availability for the remainder of the series remains uncertain as Pakistan faces a congested schedule. The second Test against the West Indies begins on Sunday before the squad begins travelling to England for a three-match series next month.
The national team is already dealing with a growing injury list. A back issue ruled Abdullah Fazal out of both the ongoing Caribbean tour and the upcoming England fixtures. Consequently, selectors called up Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel as batting cover earlier this week, with Shakeel returning to the squad ahead of schedule.
