Pakistan Cricket Board declared on Friday that fast bowler Wahab Riaz will not be available for selection for the final two ODIs of the ongoing ODI series against their subcontinent counterparts Sri Lanka. Riaz suffered a hairline fracture in his left hand during the Galle test of the tour and had to go home for treatment of the same.
The selection committee were hopeful that the left-armer will be fit and available for selection by the third ODI and that his experience could come in handy. However, a fresh medical report recommended that Riaz return to practice earliest by July 24 thereby putting him out of contention for selection.
Selector Harood Rashid confirmed this decision but is still hopeful of Riaz’s availability for the two T20’s that Pakistan is scheduled to play against the islanders. The first T20 will be played on 30 July. With the series tied at 1-1, Riaz’s inclusion in the team would have brought experience in the Pakistani bowling attack and could have tilted the balance in Pakistan’s favor. Riaz had an excellent World Cup, with his best and most attacking spell coming against Australia which will be remembered for a long time.
