Pakistan's Sarfraz Ahmed leaves Australia to be with ill mother
Thursday 12 January 2017 08:55, UK
Sarfraz Ahmed has become the second Pakistan player to return home this week ahead of Friday's opening one-day international against Australia in Brisbane.
Captain Azhar Ali confirmed on Thursday that his team will be without their vice-captain and wicketkeeper for the opening game at the Gabba and possibly this month's entire five-match series.
Sarfraz has returned to Pakistan to be with his mother who is in intensive care in hospital.
Mohammad Rizwan will take the gloves for the first day-night match and could remain in the side if Sarfraz does not return to Australia.
Sarfraz's departure comes just days after fast bowler Mohammad Irfan also left the team following the death of his mother.
Ali said: "We'll definitely miss Sarfraz. Hopefully, he can rejoin the team but, as for right now, he's not here."
Meanwhile, Australia are set to give debuts to batsman Chris Lynn and pace bowler Billy Stanlake.
Lynn, who has played five Twenty20 internationals, has lit up Australia's Big Bash competition this year.
Skipper Steve Smith said: "He's been in red hot form and hopefully he can bring that to the international stage.
"I've watched him in the nets in the last couple of days and he's hit the ball hard."
Top order batsman Usman Khawaja and leg-spinner Adam Zampa were the players to miss out from the squad named last weekend and Travis Head will open the batting with David Warner.
