RAWALPINDI: With all-rounder Liam Livingstone out for the rest of the trip due to a knee injury, England has been dealt a severe blow in their present Test series with Pakistan.
According to the ICC, Livingstone, 29, suffered a right knee injury while fielding on the second day of the first Test in Rawalpindi. He will depart for home in England on Tuesday to start his recovery.
Although selectors do have a number of candidates in their squad who they may try to add for the second Test, which begins in Multan on Friday, England have not yet named a replacement for the next three Test matches in the series. Due to a hip injury, pace bowler Mark Wood is anticipated to be eligible for the second Test. Rehan Ahmed, an 18-year-old spinner who might make history as England's youngest-ever Test début, may also be considered.
Livingstone, who is more known for his white-ball prowess, made his Test debut in Rawalpindi. The right-hander managed nine runs in the first innings before adding an unbeaten seven-run contribution to the second innings.
Both sides are firing all cylinders to get the better of the other and a result is what the sides will be aiming for and draw could still be on the cards. After the conclusion of the first contest, the two sides will next lock horns in the 2nd Test in the 3-match series which is scheduled to start in Multan on Friday, December 9.
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