Ayub ruled out of Newlands Test due to ankle injury

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub has been ruled out of the ongoing Newlands Test with an ankle injury. The 22-year-old twisted his right ankle while fielding on the opening day of the second Test between South Africa and Pakistan, and the timeline for his recovery remains uncertain.

“Saim Ayub has been ruled out of further participation in the second men’s cricket Test against South Africa after twisting his right ankle while fielding,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a release. “Saim underwent X-rays and MRI tests this afternoon and the reports have been sent to specialists in London for further advice on the treatment and time away from competitive cricket.”

The injury happened in the seventh over, when Ryan Rickelton squeezed an outside edge between gully and backward point. Both Aamer Jamal and Saim Ayub gave chase; and while Jamal slid and flicked the ball back in, Ayub slipped and hurt his ankle. He looked in pain, having called for the physio immediately and needing to be helped off the field a little later. He was later spotted in a cast and was replaced in the field by Abdullah Shafique.

Ayub’s injury added to a difficult day in the field for Pakistan, who were at the receiving end of twin tons from Rickelton (176*) and Temba Bavuma (106).