Malik, Imam ruled out of fourth ODI, Wasim named captain

Injuries have hit Pakistan team as they gear up to take on Australia

PHOTO: AFP

Pakistan stand-in captain Shoaib Malik and opener Imamul Haq have been ruled out of the fourth One-day international (ODI) against Australia on Friday.

Malik will miss the match after sustaining a bruised rib, while Imam is out due to high fever.

All-rounder Imad Wasim will lead Pakistan, for the first time, in Malik’s absence.

Opener Abid Ali and middle-order batsman Saad Ali will make their ODI debuts and will replace Imam and Malik in the playing XI from the third ODI.

Australia has already sealed the series with an unassailable lead of 3-0 in the five-match ODI series. Pakistan will look to salvage some pride in the fourth ODI against the visitors.