Groin injury forces Hasan Ali out of first Windies Test

Karachi [Pakistan], Apr 21 (ANI): In a major blow to Pakistan, paceman Hasan Ali has been ruled out of the first Test of the three-match series against West Indies due to injury. The 23-year-old sustained a groin injury whilst fielding during the first innings of the three-day practice match against the West Indies President's XI in Montego Bay. Confirming the news, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) categorically said that the pacer is still recovering from his adductor muscle injury in the groin, thus ruling him out of the opening match beginning Friday in Kingston, Jamaica. "Hasan Ali has been recovering well and is on track with his recovery from his adductor muscle injury in the groin. He has been committed to rehabilitation and we are happy with his progress to date. He will make a successful return to full training over the coming days, and regain appropriate match fitness to return to play," the Dawn quoted PCB as saying. The development might come as an added blow in Pakistan camp which is already hit by the poor form of their frontline pacers - Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir - during the ongoing tour of the Caribbean. Earlier, head coach Mickey Arthur's request for pacer Rahat Ali was also turned down by chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq. Pakistan squad: Misbah-ul-Haq(c), Ahmed Shehzad, Azhar Ali, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed, Usman Salahuddin, Yasir Shah, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Asghar, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas. WI squad: Jason Holder (capt), Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich (wk), Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kieran Powell, Vishaul Singh.(ANI)