Pakistan’s white-ball vice-captain Salman Agha has finally revealed the status of Saim Ayub’s injury which he suffered during the recent Test series against South Africa. Salman feels Ayub can recover 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. Usually, he bats in the middle and lower order across different formats but he is fine to bat at any spot in the team.
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Salman Agha breaks silence on Saim Ayub’s injury
During a press conference, Salman Agha was asked about the status of the opener Saim Ayub’s injury. Salman hopes for Ayub to recover before the Champions Trophy by considering the medical reports.
“Considering the initial medical reports of Saim Ayub, he will recover before the Champions Trophy. We all must pray that he gets fine soon because we know his importance for the Pakistan team. We hope that he will join us for the Champions Trophy,” Salman said.
Salman Agha :
“Considering the initial medical reports of Saim Ayub, he will recover before the Champions Trophy.” pic.twitter.com/pHaf9FKjjr— Hassan Abbasian (@HassanAbbasian) January 10, 2025
How was Saim Ayub injured?
Saim Ayub got injured midway through the second Test between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town. He had to be taken off the field through a stretcher in just the seventh over of the match when a ball took the edge of South African batter Ryan Rickelton through the slip cordon.
Ayub went to chase the ball at deep third alongside the fast bowler Aamer Jamal. Jamal pulled back the ball and saved the boundary while Ayub stood there as a relay fielder. However, he lost his balance and twisted his ankle badly.
He got down quickly and was in severe pain while holding the lower part of his leg. The physio rushed to check him and after a long treatment just outside the boundary, he was stretchered off. He appeared in tears as he was going off the field and was later seen on crutches.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) immediately sent him to London for treatment along with the assistant coach Azhar Mahmood. However, the reports have revealed that Saim Ayub will take some more time to recover and might miss the Champions Trophy.
Salman Agha opens up on his favorite batting position
Salman Agha was also asked about his favorite batting position in the team. The off-spinning all-rounder claimed that he has no issues in batting at any position in the line-up and is ready to bat wherever the team wants him.
“I have no issue in batting at any position,” said Salman Ali Agha.
“I have no issue in batting at any position.” – Salman Ali Agha. #CT25
— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) January 10, 2025
Salman Agha has been one of the best players for Pakistan in the last few months across formats. He has been mostly batting in the lower order but has still been able to produce impressive performances.
There have been talks of him batting up the order and it remains to be seen whether he gets promoted or not. He scored 163 runs in three ODIs against South Africa recently at an average of 81.50 and a strike rate of 106.53 and helped Pakistan clean-sweep the hosts.