Pakistan paceman Junaid survives injury scare

LAHORE: Pakistan’s frontline paceman Junaid Khan Friday had an injury scare barely a month before the start of the World Cup, with a thigh injury threatening his participation in the mega event.

The 25-year-old fell while bowling during the team’s training camp on Thursday, but an MRI scan revealed there was no muscle tear and Khan should recover in a week.

The left-arm paceman was only selected in Pakistan’s 15-man squad after recovering from a knee injury sustained during Pakistan’s one-day series against Australia in October last year.

He was out of action for three months before returning to action in a domestic one-day tournament earlier this month.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Junaid’s latest injury was not serious.

“Junaid Khan was presented to us with pain in his right thigh and left elbow after he had a fall while bowling in the nets Thursday. Pain in the right thigh was non-radiating. There was no discoloration or change in the temperature in the said area,” said PCB doctor Sohail Saleem, quoted in a PCB release.

“In order to reach correct prognosis, he was put through MRI Scan on Friday which came out to be normal.

“We expect him to travel to New Zealand as planned without any problem.”

Pakistan fly out to New Zealand on January 21 to play two one-day internationals. 

Their campaign in the World Cup starts with a high-profile clash against arch-rivals and title-holders India in Adelaide on February 15.

Junaid has 75 wickets in 48 one-day internationals. He last featured in a one-day in August last year. (AFP)