KARACHI: Pakistan’s all-rounder Faheem Ashraf has tested positive for COVID-19 following his arrival at the Karachi team hotel, according to a statement issued by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Faheem will now undergo five-day isolation. However, his replacement will be announced in due course if needed.
The all-rounder will miss the second Test against Australia, said PCB. He also missed the drawn first Test in Rawalpindi due to a hamstring injury.
The second Test starts on Saturday in Karachi.
Faheem has blossomed as a Test all-rounder in the past two years, giving Pakistan much-needed balance in both batting and bowling.
He has so far played 13 Tests, scoring 632 runs with four half centuries and taken 22 wickets.
Faheem is the second Pakistan player to test positive for the virus after fast bowler Haris Rauf missed the first Test for the same reason.
Fawad Ahmed, Australia’s spin bowling consultant, also tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
Australia are playing in Pakistan for the first time in 24 years, having previously refused to tour over security fears.
The third Test is in Lahore from March 21-25. The tourists will also play three one-day internationals and a single T20I.
Australia’s first Test in Pakistan in 24 years ends in draw
Imam-ul-Haq cracked a century in each innings and his opening partner Abdullah Shafique hit a maiden hundred as Pakistan’s first home Test against Australia in 24 years ended in a tame draw in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.
Haq made an unbeaten 111 following up his 157 in the first innings, while Shafique finished on 136 as Pakistan were 252 without loss when the match ended without a result.
Australia scored 459 in reply to Pakistan’s first innings score of 476-4 declared.
Australia’s first Test on Pakistan soil since 1998 — they previously declined to visit on security grounds — was ultimately spoiled by a flat Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium pitch.
The second Test is set to take place in Karachi from March 12 to 16.
