Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf continues to suffer setbacks as his recent positive COVID-19 report has ruled him out of the second Test of the historic series against Australia.
Ashraf, who missed the Rawalpindi Test match due to a hamstring injury, arrived at the team hotel in Karachi on Wednesday (March 9).
As per ESPNcricinfo's report, the all-rounder tested positive for the deadly virus upon his arrival and now undergoing a five-day isolation period. Pakistan are unlikely to opt for his replacement as they already have enough players in the squad to fill the gap.
The 28-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in the recently-concluded edition of the PSL and has not made an on-field appearance since then. Ashraf's absence is likely to imbalance the team as he has been a vital cog in Pakistan's lineup since his debut, providing crucial contributions with both and ball.
Besides the fast-bowling all-rounder, Hasan Ali and Harif Rauf did not feature in the previous Test. However, the former is expected to recover in the upcoming match. Whereas, the right-arm fast could be making his Test debut at Karachi.
Meanwhile, both the teams have arrived in Karachi. They are scheduled to practice at the National Stadium on Thursday morning, before the second Test match of this historic series begins on Saturday, March 12, 2022.