Pakistan vice-captain Salman Agha has finally revealed the status of Saim Ayub's injury which he suffered during the recent Test against South Africa. Salman believes 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 is good to bat anywhere in the team.
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Salman Agha breaks his silence on Saim Ayub's injury
During a 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 considering the medical reports.
“Considering Saim Ayub's initial medical reports, he will recover before the Champions Trophy. We must all pray that he will be well soon as we know his importance to the Pakistan team. We hope he will join us for Champions Trophy,” said Salman.
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 stretchered off the field in just the seventh over of the match when a ball edged South African batsman Ryan Rickelton through the slip cordon.
Ayub went to chase the ball at third deep alongside fast bowler Aamer Jamal. Jamal pulled the ball back and saved the boundary while Ayub stood there as a relay player. However, he lost his balance and twisted his ankle badly.
He went down quickly and was in severe pain as he held his lower leg. The physiotherapist rushed to check him and after a long treatment just outside the border, he was taken on a stretcher. He appeared in tears as he left the pitch 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 take a bit more time to recover and might miss out on the Champions Trophy.
Salman Agha opens up about his favorite batting position
Salman Agha was also asked about his favorite batting position in the team. The off-spinning all-rounder claimed that he has no problem 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,” said Salman Ali Agha.
“I have no problem batting in any position.” – Salman Ali Agha. #CT25
— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) January 10, 2025
Salman Agha has been one of the best players for Pakistan in recent months across all formats. He mostly batted in the lower order but still managed to produce impressive performances.
He has been rumored to have dropped the order and whether or not he will be promoted remains to be seen. 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.