Pakistan star fast-bowler Mohammad Abbas’ participation in the third and final Test against New Zealand is uncertain.

The 28-year-old injured his shoulder injury while fielding during the second Test in Dubai.  Sources confirmed that with the South Africa tour just around the corner, the team management is cautious about Abbas’ fitness and will not take any risk in that regard.

Therefore, the 28-year-old will stay under observation and will only take part in the match — which will begin form December 3 in Abu Dhabi — if he is fully recovered from the injury.

Abbas exclusion will be a big blow for Pakistan as he is currently ranked third in the ICC ranking for bowlers in Test cricket.

However, in this series, Abbas is being outshined by fellow pacer Hasan Ali as he only managed to claim two wickets in four innings.

If he is unable to regain fitness, the young left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi is likely to make his Test debut in the series decider, whereas left-armer Mir Hamza is another replacement available for the team management to choose from.

The three-match Test series is leveled at 1-1 where the Black Caps won the first match by four runs, whereas the Men in Green thrashed Kiwis in the second Test by an innings and 16 runs.