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After seven members of the England team tested positive for COVID-19, the ECB announced a revised 18-member squad two days before the first ODI. Now, there is a chance that Pakistan's squad may also see some changes as one of their batsmen is likely to be ruled out of the whole series.
Pakistan's middle order batsman Haris Sohail will most probably miss the first ODI against England on Thursday. His availability for the second and third ODI also hangs in doubt as Sohail has complained about an injury in his right leg. Haris missed several practice sessions and both of the intra squad matches of the national team in Derbyshire. A reliable source in the Pakistan Cricket Board revealed that Sohail is due to undergo an MRI scan and is already undergoing rehabilitation. He doesn't seem to be match fit for the first ODI.
“He has a leg injury and is unlikely to take part in the first ODI and could even miss out on the remaining two matches,” confirmed the source.
Two debutants may take the field for Pakistan on Thursday
With Sohail unlikely to play, we may see a couple of players making their debut for the national team on Thursday. Sohail Maqsood, after performing brilliantly in the Pakistan Super League, came as a replacement for Haider Ali and can be handed his maiden ODI cap. Either Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakil, or Agha Salman can also make their debut.
Haris Sohail has been struggling to find his place in the team with timely injuries and other issues. He previously came back home from tours to South Africa and New Zealand due to fitness issues and also missed the previous tour to England. Sohail suffered a back injury during the tour to South Africa in 2019.
Pakistan and England are due to play a three match ODI series starting from July 8. Ben Stokes will be leading the home side after Eoin Morgan tested positive for COVID-19.