Pakistan white-ball vice-captain Salman Agha has finally revealed the condition of Saim Ayyub's injury that he sustained during the recent Test series against South Africa. Salman feels that Ayoub can recover before the Champions Cup 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 is capable of batting anywhere in the team.
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Salman Al Agha breaks his silence regarding Saem Ayoub’s injury
During a press conference, Salman Agha was asked about the injury status of opener Saim Ayoub. Salman hopes that Ayoub will recover before the Champions Cup by looking at the medical reports.
“Given Saim Ayub's initial medical reports, he will recover before the Champions Trophy. We should all pray that he recovers soon because we know his importance to the Pakistan national team. We hope he will join us for the Champions Trophy.” Salman said.
Salman Agha:
“Given Saim Ayoub’s initial medical reports, he will recover before the Champions Cup.” pic.twitter.com/pHaf9FKjjr– Hassan Abbasian (@HassanAbbasian) January 10, 2025
How was fasting Ayoub injured?
Saim Ayub was injured midway through the second Test between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town. He had to be taken off the field via stretcher in just the seventh over of the match when the ball hit the edge of South African batsman Ryan Rickelton through the slip cordon.
Ayub went chasing the ball in the deep third alongside fast bowler Amer Jamal. Jamal pulled the ball back and saved the boundary while Ayub stood there as a relay player. However, he lost his balance and sprained his ankle badly.
He went down quickly and was in severe pain holding his lower leg. A physiotherapist rushed to examine him, and after a long treatment just outside the borders, he was taken away on a stretcher. He appeared crying as he left the stadium and was later seen on crutches.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) immediately sent him to London for treatment with assistant coach Azhar Mahmood. However, reports revealed that Saim Ayoub will take more time to recover and may miss the Champions Cup.
Salman Agha talks about his favorite batting position
Salman Agha was also asked about his favorite batting position in the team. The all-rounder claimed that he has no problems batting at any position in the line-up and is ready to bat wherever the team wants him.
“I have no problem batting in any position,” Salman Ali Agha said.
“I have no problem batting in any position.” – Salman Ali Agha. #CT25
– Arfa Fayrouz Zaki (@ArfaSays_) January 10, 2025
Salman Agha has been one of Pakistan's best players in the last few months across formats. He was mostly batting lower down the order but still managed to put in great performances.
There have been talks of him issuing the order and it remains to be seen whether he will be 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 sweep the hosts.