England vs Pakistan: Hasan Ali to miss first T20I due to leg strain

Pakistan’s England campaign got off to a worst possible start as the Babar Azam-led side was mauled 3-0 by the hosts in the ODI series. The visitors will now seek redemption in the T20Is, a format they will feel more comfortable in. However, the ‘Men in Green’ will step in the opening clash without the services of their ace pacer Hasan Ali, who has been ruled out after picking up a strain in his left leg during a training session at Trent Bridge on Thursday. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the development on their official website.

The pacer was the lone bright spot in otherwise gloomy outings in the ODIs for Pakistan. He was Pakistan’s joint-highest wicket-taker in the series with 6 wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the second ODI. Hasan Ali’s career has been marred by injuries. A back injury barred the pacer from playing for over a year before a groin injury further delayed his return by 20 months.

Hasan Ali has been in stellar form of late. He was Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in the T20I series against South Africa with seven scalps in four games and backed it up with impressive outings in Zimbabwe. He also had a fantastic run in the second leg of PSL.

A decision on Hasan Ali’s availability for the remaining two matches will be taken ahead of the second game. The T20I series gets underway today, July 16, at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, with the matches to follow in Leeds and Manchester on July 18 and 20 respectively.