Mohammad Wasim suffers back pain in another injury scare for Pakistan

After Shaheen Shah Afridi’s withdrawal due to a knee injury, Pakistan have been dealt another scare ahead of their Asia Cup opener against India on August 28, with fast bowler Mohammad Wasim pulling up with back pain during training in Dubai.Wasim, who turned 21 on Thursday, complained of pain in his lower back during a bowling session at the ICC Academy. He is believed to have undergone an MRI scan. Wasim has been part of each of the team’s three training sessions since arriving in Dubai on Tuesday.

ESPNcricinfo understands the scan is precautionary, with the PCB not wanting to risk a potential long-term injury, given the amount of cricket they are set to play leading into the T20 World Cup in Australia this October-November.After the Asia Cup, Pakistan are set to play England in seven T20Is at home, followed by a tri-series in New Zealand before they head to Australia. At the Asia Cup, they could possibly play five games in 12 days should they make the Super Four stage.

Wasim has so far featured in 11 T20Is since his debut last July against West Indies. He has picked up 17 wickets at an average of 15.88 and an economy of 8.10. Wasim was particularly impressive in the home series against Australia this March, where he picked up five wickets in three ODIs as Pakistan overturned a 1-0 deficit to clinch the series.

The injury scare could be a concern, given the team management is already grappling with Afridi’s absence from the tournament. Despite the injury, Afridi has been part of the travelling squad for four weeks, and is currently undergoing on-tour rehabilitation in the UAE as Pakistan look to have him fit for the T20 World Cup.

Afridi has been working with fast-bowling consultant Shaun Tait. His absence had earlier led to Mohammad Hasnain getting a late call-up to join the Asia Cup squad. Haris Rauf, Shahnawaz Dahani and Naseem Shah are the other fast bowlers in the tour party.PCB strengthens support staff group for Asia CupPakistan have added Umar Rashid as assistant to fast-bowling coach Tait for the Asia Cup following a recommendation from head coach Saqlain Mushtaq.

Rashid, who has an impressive body of work at the National High Performance Centre, has worked with all the current crop of fast bowlers around the national set-up at the age-group levels.More recently, Rashid is credited to have helped Hasnain return to competitive cricket after being reported for a suspect action during the BBL in January. The flex in Hasnain’s elbow was found to be around 17-24 degrees, well above permissible levels.

(Cricinfo)