Afghanistan received a severe setback as Ibrahim Zadran was excluded due to an injury just hours before the commencement of their sole Test against New Zealand. The leading batsman suffered an ankle sprain while taking part in his team’s last practice session at Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium located at Greater Noida.
According to Afghanistan Cricket Board, Zadran is also omitted from the next three match ODI series scheduled against South Africa.
“Afghanistan’s prolific top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran has been ruled out of the upcoming one-off Test against New Zealand and the three-match ODI series against South Africa due to an ankle sprain in his left leg,” ACB’s statement read.
“The ACB wishes him a speedy recovery and looks forward to his return to the field soon,” it added.
A few hours earlier, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi had briefed the press on Zadran’s injury. Prior to rain disrupting New Zealand’s training plan, the hosts held their last practice on Sunday morning.
“Today, during practice session Ibrahim hurt his ankle. However, it’s not confirmed yet what will occur tomorrow. We will wait and see what happens to him,” Shahidi told media at the pre-match press conference.
Zadran appeared in seven out of nine Tests for Afghanistan. Earlier this year February he made his debut century in this format against Sri Lanka
