Shoaib suffers delayed concussion signs

HAMILTON, New Zealand: Pakistan allrounder Shoaib Malik was struck on the back of the head while running between the wickets during the fourth One-day International (ODI)here on Tuesday.

Though he continued batting, he had signs of a delayed concussion and did not take the field in the second innings.Malik had come out to bat without a helmet or hat because New Zealand’s spinners were bowling. The incident occurred in the 32nd over, when he set off for a quick single but was sent back by Mohammad Hafeez.

While Malik was trying to make his ground, the throw from a fielder at point hit him flush on the back of his unprotected head and the ball ricocheted to the boundary.

Malik went down immediately, and though he needed on-field attention for several minutes, he resumed batting. He suffered the blow when his score was 1 and he was dismissed for 6 three balls later. Malik’s absence from the field, the PCB said, was due to a delayed concussion.

“Shoaib was assessed by the match doctor and myself,” Pakistan team physiotherapist VB Singh said. “He did not have any symptoms of a concussion and was able to carry on playing. After getting out, he was reassessed and was showing delayed concussion signs. He is doing well and is resting.”