Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik showed signs of delayed concussion after being hit on the head by the ball during Tuesday’s one-day international with New Zealand, the Pakistan cricket Board announced.
Malik, who was not wearing a helmet, was struck on the back of the head by a fielder’s throw as he returned to his crease after advancing down the pitch for an attempted single.
The 35-year-old was able to continue batting but faced only four more balls before being dismissed for six, and he did not come out to field when New Zealand batted.
Pakistan team physiotherapist Vib Singh said in a statement: “While trying to take a run Shoaib Malik was hit on his head with a wayward throw.
“Shoaib was assessed on field by match doctor and myself. 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.”
When asked about Malik’s health after the match, Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur told a press conference: “He’s concussed, he’s not great at the moment. I haven’t got the final report.”
Arthur also admitted Pakistan had felt the absence of the veteran all-rounder after slumping to a five-wicket defeat in Hamilton.
He added: “With Malik out, he gave us 10 overs of off-spin which was very, very needed for us out there. We could have taken pace off with a lot more overs.
“We always had Haris (Sohail) up our sleeve but Malik’s a genuinely good offspinner and a proper offspinner, with all due respect to Haris.
“So that’s disappointing because those overs would have been crucial for us tonight.”
Pakistan trail 4-0 in the five-match ODI series.
Provided by Press Association Sport
