Pakistan white-ball vice-captain Salman Agha has finally revealed the status of Saim Ayub’s injury which he sustained during the recent Test series against South Africa. Salman believes Ayub can bounce back ahead of the Champions Trophy as he will be an important part of the team’s plans.
Salman Agha also spoke about his batting position in the team. He usually bats in the middle and lower order in different formats but can bat anywhere in the team.
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Salman Agha breaks silence on Saim Ayub’s injury
During the press conference, Salman Agha was asked about the injury status of opener Saim Ayub. Salman expects Ayub to recover before the Champions Trophy considering the medical reports.
“Going by Saim Ayub’s initial medical reports, he will recover before the Champions Trophy. We all must pray that he recovers soon as we know his importance to the Pakistan team. We hope he joins us for the Champions Trophy.” Salman said.
Salman Agha:
“Taking into account Saim Ayub’s initial medical reports, he will recover before the Champions Trophy.” pic.twitter.com/pHaf9FKjjr-Hassan Abbasian (@HassanAbbasian) January 10, 2025
How was Saim Ayub injured?
Saim Ayub was injured midway through the second test between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town. He had to be stretchered off the field in just the seventh over of the match when a ball went over the edge of South African batsman Ryan Rickelton through the slip cordon.
Ayub went to chase the ball at deep third along with fast bowler Aamer Jamal. Jamal pulled the ball back and saved the boundary while Ayub stayed there as a relief defender. However, he lost his balance and severely sprained his ankle.
He quickly got off and felt intense pain as he held his lower leg. The physio rushed to check him out and after a long treatment just outside the limit, he was stretchered off. He appeared crying as he left the field and was later seen on crutches.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) immediately sent him to London for treatment along with assistant coach Azhar Mahmood. However, reports have revealed that Saim Ayub will take longer to recover and could miss out on the Champions Trophy.
Salman Agha talks about his favorite batting position
Salman Agha was also asked about his favorite batting position in the team. The all-rounder stated that he has no problem batting at any position in the lineup and is ready to bat wherever the team wants him.
“I have no problem batting in any position,” said Salman Ali Agha.
“I have no problem hitting in any position.” – Salman Ali Agha. #CT25
– Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) January 10, 2025
Salman Agha has been one of Pakistan’s best players in recent months across all formats. He has been batting mainly in the lower order but has still been able to produce impressive performances.
There has been talk that he will change the order and it remains to be seen whether he will be promoted or not. He recently scored 163 runs in three ODIs against South Africa at an average of 81.50 and a strike rate of 106.53 and helped Pakistan sweep the hosts.