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29 March 2024

Yousuf blow for Pakistan in first Test

Mohammad Yousuf pulled out at last minute with a groin injury. (FILE)

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By Staff

Pakistan suffered a major blow before the start of the first cricket Test against South Africa on Friday when experienced batsman Mohammad Yousuf was ruled out of the match because of a groin problem, according to Pakistan Manager Intikhab Alam.

Yousuf, 35, the most experienced player in the team with 80 Test matches, was withdrawn after being in the original team sheet released to media for the match at Dubai international cricket stadium which became the 101st Test venue.
“Yousuf will be going for check-up and we will be able to know the exact extent of his injury,” Alam told reporters.
Yousuf played the fifth one-day international against South Africa on Monday but was seen struggling during the training session at ICC Global Academy on Wednesday and Thursday.
He had been looking forward to play a leading role in the Test as a senior member of the team along with Younis Khan.
“I know being seniors we have to perform well and occupy the crease as much as possible during the Test matches,” Yousuf told reporters on the eve of the match.
“Being senior we are fully aware our job and we will try to our best,” he said.
He was also of the view that South Africa will not be having a psychological advantage though they won ODI series 3-2.
“Test match cricket is different ball game. Our mission is to play well in the Test series,” he said.
He admitted that on paper South Africa were a strong combination but said they were not favourites going into the match.
Meanwhile, South Africa skipper Graeme Smith won the toss and elected to bat in the first Test at Dubai Sports City which becomes the second Test venue in UAE after Sharjah.
Wicketkeeper Adnan Akmal made his Test debut and become the 203rd player to represent Pakistan in a Test match. Younger brother of Kamran Akmal, Adnan, 25, was rushed to Dubai after wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider deserted the team.
Pakistan went into the match with specialist spinners Abdul Rehman and Saeed Ajmal supported by the off-breaks of Muhammad Hafeez.
Alam hinted on Thursday the new track may prove useful for the spinners.
“The pitch may be on the slower side and it may assist spinners during the match,” said the former leg spinner.
Alam said the team was in good spirits and are looking forward to deliver their best in the match.
“Team’s confidence level is good after the hard fought ODI series which Pakistan lost 2-3,” he said.
This is 14th Test match between the two countries.
 Teams (from):
Pakistan: Muhammad Hafeez, Taufiq Umer, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq (captain) Umar Akmal, Adnan Akmal (wicketkeeper), Abdul Rehman, Wahab Riaz , Saeed Ajmal, Umer Gul.
12th man: Imran Farhat
South Africa: Graeme Smith (captain), Hashim Amla, Jacque Kallis, Ashwell Prince, AB de Villiers , Johan Botha, Mark Boucher (wicketkeeper), Morne Morkel, Paul Harris, Dale Steyn, Alviro Petersen.
12th man: PJ Duminy
Umpires: Asoka de Silva (Sri Lanka) and Daryl Harper (Australia)
TV Umpire: Ahsan Raza (Pakistan)
Match referee: Andy Pycroft (Zimbabwe)