Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali suffered an injury scare on the opening day of the second Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet after landing awkwardly while attempting a return catch.
The incident took place in the eighth over of Bangladesh’s innings after Pakistan opted to field first. Hasan Ali tried to complete a caught-and-bowled chance off debutant opener Tanzid Hasan, who chipped a short-of-a-length delivery back towards him.
The pacer dived forward but fell awkwardly in the process and remained down on the ground.
Pakistan’s team physio rushed onto the field immediately to assess him as he lay near the pitch. When Hasan Ali eventually got back up, he appeared dazed, prompting officials to bring out a stretcher and take him off the field. Salman Agha then completed the remainder of the over.
The incident briefly raised concerns for Pakistan, especially after Shaheen Shah Afridi had already been left out of the playing XI for the second Test. Hasan Ali was one of three changes made by Pakistan following their 104-run defeat in the first Test in Dhaka.
TV footage later showed Pakistan’s fast bowling coach Umar Gul speaking with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed while Hasan Ali was being taken away. He was later seen in the medical room at the stadium, though no immediate details were shared about the exact nature of the injury.
Pakistan did, however, receive encouraging news soon after, as Hasan returned later in the first session and resumed bowling.
Hasan Ali had entered the match on the back of a solid outing in the first Test, where he claimed four wickets, including three in the second innings. His return to the field will come as a relief for Pakistan as they look to bounce back in the series.
