Young opener Saim Ayub will remain in London for his rehabilitation process this month under the supervision of two noted sports injury specialists as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains hopeful of his recovery from an ankle injury in time for next month’s Champions Trophy. Ayub, who suffered an ankle fracture while fielding during the second Test against South Africa earlier this month, was sent to London directly from Cape Town to get a second opinion on his recovery process after he was initially advised six weeks rest. “The PCB has decided that Saim will undergo his rehab process in London this month and will return to Pakistan once his ankle support brace is removed by the specialists and he is allowed to put weight on his feet,” a PCB official said.

He said after the ankle brace is removed, Ayub will return to Pakistan for his final phase of rehabilitation if advised by the specialists.

England’s former Test captain Nasser Hussain this week picked Ayub as one of the potential fab-four players for the future, a list that also includes India’s Yashvasi Jaiswal, England’s Harry Brook and Australian Travis Head.

Ayub came into the limelight during the recent tours of Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa where he performed well in all formats, scoring two hundreds in the ODI series against the Proteas before getting injured.

The PCB apparently has sent Ayub’s name in the provisional Pakistan squad for the Champions Trophy (February 19 to March 9) in the hope that he will recover in time for the mega event.

Pakistan on Saturday recalled discarded opener Imam ul Haq for the Test series against the West Indies after an ankle injury forced regular opener Saim Ayub out of the series. Imam, who last played in a Test for Pakistan in Australia in 2023-24, has been joined by uncapped pacer Kashif Ali in the 15-member squad. Imam also got a call-up since the selectors have dropped Abdullah Shafique who had been opening regularly with Saim in Test and ODIs but lost form on recent tours to Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

The selectors have also recalled spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan who were sidelined after leading Pakistan to 2-1 win over England at home last year.

The selectors have also included a third specialist spinner in Abrar Ahmed, indicating that spin pitches would be prepared. West Indies are playing Tests in Pakistan after 18 years.

Both Tests would be held in Multan with the first beginning from January 17.

The selectors also rested pace bowlers Naseem Shah, Muhammad Abbas, Mir Hamza and all-rounder Aamer Jamal who recently played in the Test series in South Africa that won the series 2-0 to qualify for the World Test Championship final.

Pakistan Squad: Shan Masood (Capt), Saud Shakeel (VC), Babar Azam, Muhammad Rizwan, Imam ul Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Muhammad Huraira, Rohail Nazir, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Ali, Khurrun Shahzad and Kashif Ali.

Pakistan suffered an injury scare at the start of the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town on Friday after opener Saim Ayub was stretchered off following injuring his ankle. The severity of Ayub’s injury remains unclear, but he has been taken to the hospital for treatment. On the field, he was unable to bear weight on his right ankle and appeared visibly distressed, even shedding tears after the incident. The injury occurred in the seventh over when Ryan Rickelton edged a ball through the slips, prompting Ayub to chase it to deep third alongside Aamer Jamal. As Jamal pulled the ball back, Ayub, positioned as the relay fielder, lost his balance and twisted his ankle. He immediately went down, clutching his lower leg in pain as the physio rushed to assist.

After receiving prolonged treatment near the boundary, Ayub was stretchered off, casting a shadow over Pakistan’s efforts. The situation worsened shortly after when Ayub’s replacement, Abdullah Shafique, dropped a straightforward chance at cover to dismiss Aiden Markram. Fortunately, Markram was removed by Khurram Shahzad two overs later, but celebrations remained subdued, reflecting the impact of Ayub’s absence.

Ayub’s loss is a significant blow to Pakistan. A breakout star in recent months, he was Player of the Series in Pakistan’s 3-0 ODI triumph over South Africa last month, scoring two centuries in three matches. As one of Pakistan’s few all-format regulars, Ayub is a key player, particularly with the Champions Trophy just weeks away in February.

Earlier, Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat first as the hosts lead the series 1-0 and have already booked a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final after securing a thrilling two-wicket win in Centurion.