Pakistan have been dealt an injury blow ahead of their Test series against England starting on Tuesday as Azhar Ali was ruled out with a foot injury.
The number three batsman was a thorn in the tourists’ side during the corresponding series of 2012, helping himself to over 250 runs at an average above 50, and England attack leader James Anderson says the 30-year-old would have been the prize wicket.
"He obviously played very well last time,” Anderson said.
"In that number three spot, he was the guy to get out for them - even with the experienced players who came in after him.
"I thought he was the key wicket for us, so obviously he will be a big miss for them.
"But they've got other quality players who've got plenty of runs out here. So there's plenty of other players we've got to watch out for.”
Pakistan team manager Intikhab Alam broke the news on the injury which Azhar is thought to have originally suffered during a Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and subsequently became infected.
"He will not be playing in the first Test,” Alam confirmed.
"Azhar has not been able to train, because he can't wear a shoe on his left foot. He suffered a foot infection and the skin on his toe came off.
"His wound is almost dried up but he is not comfortable wearing his shoe and didn't take part in training activities since we are here."
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