Pakistan’s white-ball vice-captain Salman Agha has finally revealed the status of Saim Ayub’s injury sustained during the recent Test series against South Africa. Salman feels that Ayub can recover before the Champions Trophy as he will be an important part of the team’s plans.
Salman Agha also spoke about his position as a batsman in the team. He usually bats in the middle and lower order in various formats but can bat at any position in the team.
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Salman Agha breaks his silence on Saim Ayub’s injury
During the press conference, Salman Agha was asked about the injury status of opener Saim Ayub. Salman is hopeful that Ayub will recover before the Champions Trophy taking into account the medical reports.
“As per the initial medical reports on Saim Ayub, he will recover before the Champions Trophy. We all have to pray that he gets well soon as we know his importance to the Pakistan team. We hope he will join us for the Champions Trophy,” Salman said .
Salman Agha:
“Given Saim Ayub’s initial medical reports, he will recover before the Champions Trophy.” pic.twitter.com/pHaf9FKjjr— Hassan Abbasian (@HassanAbbasian) January 10, 2025
How was Saim Ayub injured?
Saim Ayub was injured midway through the second Test between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town. He had to be carried off the field on a stretcher in just the seventh over of the match when the ball took South African batsman Ryan Rickelton’s blade through the cordon.
Ayub set out to chase the ball deep into third position along with fast bowler Aamer Jamal. Jamal pulled the ball and saved the boundary as Ayub stood there as a relay player. However, he lost his balance and twisted his ankle badly.
He came down quickly and felt severe pain as he held onto his lower leg. The physiotherapist rushed to examine him and after a long treatment right outside the border, he was taken out on a stretcher. He appeared in tears as he left the field and was later seen on crutches.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) immediately sent him to London for treatment along with assistant coach Azhar Mahmood. However, reports have revealed that Saim Ayub will need more time to recover and may miss out on the Champions Trophy.
Salman Agha starts in his favorite position as a batsman
Salman Agha was also asked about his favorite batting position in the team. The off-spinner all-rounder claims he has no problem batting at any position in the lineup and is ready to bat wherever the team wants him.
“I have no problem batting in any position,” said Salman Ali Agha.
“I have no problem hitting in any position.” – Salman Ali Agha. #CT25
— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) January 10, 2025
Salman Agha has been one of Pakistan’s best players in the past few months across formats. He mostly batted in the lower order but was still able to produce impressive performances.
There has been talk that he will spoil the order and it remains to be seen if he will be promoted or not. He recently scored 163 runs in three ODIs against South Africa at an average of 81.50 and a strike rate of 106.53 to help Pakistan clean up the hosts.
