Pakistan duo to miss first Australia Test

Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali and allrounder Faheem Ashraf have been ruled out of next week's first Test match against Australia due to injuries.

Hasan and Ashraf have not recovered from abductor and hamstring injuries, respectively, which they sustained during the Pakistan Super League.

The first Test will be played at Rawalpindi from March 4-8.

The Pakistan Cricket Board said on Sunday both players are expected to regain fitness in time for the second Test, starting at Karachi from March 12.

Fast bowler Mohammad Wasim and allrounder Iftikhar Ahmed, who is also a handy offspinner, have replaced the injured duo for the first Test and will join the squad later on Sunday.

Earlier on Sunday, Australia arrived for their first bilateral series in Pakistan since 1998, with three Tests scheduled as well as three one-day internationals and a one-off Twenty20 during their six-week tour.