Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan’s leg-spinner, has been hospitalised after becoming ill during the first Test against England in Multan, according to ESPNcricinfo. Abrar, who bowled 31 overs on Day 3, experienced body aches and a high temperature on Day 4 and was later ruled out of the match.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated that the 25-year-old is undergoing medical examinations, with more information expected once the results come in. Abrar’s absence was a major setback for Pakistan, especially given the difficulty their bowling attack faced on the flat Multan ground.
Abrar’s illness came after a challenging game on Day 3, when he faced England’s aggressive batting order. Despite bowling more than 30 overs, he went wicketless, giving up 174 runs at an economy rate of 5.00. His troubles exemplified Pakistan’s bowling corps, which was overpowered by English hitters in sweltering conditions.
The contrast with his past efforts was stark—only two years ago, Abrar destroyed the England team with an 11-wicket haul. Injuries have hampered the young spinner’s career since he made his professional debut for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League, and his health issues in the current Test add another chapter to his difficult journey.
If Abrar does not recover on Day 5, Pakistan would be forced to end their batting innings with ten players; the team has already lost six wickets for 152 and is still down by 115 runs in the second innings.
A marathon English innings
England, led by a record-breaking 454-run partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook, declared on 823/7 in their first innings, putting Pakistan under enormous pressure. The visitors took a dominating 267-run advantage on a wicket that has provided little for bowlers.
Pakistan‘s response failed under the weight of England’s lead, as they fell to 152/6 by the end of Day 4. With a 115-run deficit still looming, Pakistan’s habit of crumbling under duress was shown once more as England’s bowling attack took control of the last session.