Bari confident Yasir will be fit for first Test

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan are hopeful on Yasir Shah’s inclusion in the first Test against Australia as team manager Wasim Bari confirmed to ‘The News’ from Cairns (Queensland) that Mohammad Asghar would only be there as a backup.

Leg spinner Yasir Shah has been rested from the side match against Cricket Australia XI on doctor’s advice. He was experiencing back problem he has been carrying since over one year.

“Asghar’s replacement has only been sought as a backup. We are hopeful that Yasir would be fit to play the first Test starting in a week’s time. I think following a few days rest would be enough to get him fit for the first Test at Brisbane starting from December 15,” Bari said.

He confirmed that Yasir travelled with the team to the ground on Thursday. “His back problem is improving fast and hopefully he would be fit by the time the Test starts in a week time,” he said.

Bari confirmed requesting for the backup saying it would be a lengthy tour and the team would be needing a full time back up spinner. “We believe Asghar has the ability to impress and as such the management has requested selectors back home to send him to Australia as a back up.”

Asghar is expected to reach Australia within next three days. “Yasir is also extremely hopeful of playing the first Test as he is experiencing improvement within couple of days after consulting doctors.”