Pakistan have been faced with a major injury scare after their premier spinner Abrar Ahmed complained of discomfort in his right leg before the opening Test against Australia. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) put forth the development about the off-spinner through a media release.

Abrar bowled only eight overs on the third day of Pakistan’s warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI at the Manuka Oval in Canberra after which he was taken off the park. According the PCB press release, the spinner was sent for scans.

“Further details will be shared in due course, after medical panel assess the MRI reports,” the PCB release stated.

Abrar bowled 27 overs in the first innings and picked up the wicket of Marcus Harris.

Earlier, newly-appointed Pakistan Test skipper Shan Masood lauded Abrar for playing a crucial role for the national team since his debut last year.

“Abrar has done really well for us, he’s taken a lot of wickets against good sides, and we’ll be hoping he does the same on this tour,” Masood was quoted as saying.

Apart from Abrar, Pakistan have left-armer Noman Ali as their lone specialist spin-bowling option. If Abrar doesn’t play the first Test, it is highly likely that Noman will get a chance.

Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman are part-timers. In six Tests thus far, Abrar has picked up 38 wickets with two five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket haul to his name.

Meanwhile, at Stumps on Day 3 of the warm-up match, the Prime Minister’s XI garnered a lead of 24 runs after Matt Renshaw stayed not out on 136 off 338 balls with eight fours and a six.