Ahmed's citizenship requirements prove a stumbling block for Ashes

Pashtun Australian cricketer Fawad Ahmed will reportedly fly back home from England to complete his citizenship requirements and it has turned out to be a hurdle in realizing his Ashes dream.

According to Sydney Morning Herald, chief selector John Inverarity insisted on sending the player back rather than keeping him with the squad was not an indicator that teen spinner Ashton Agar has edged Ahmed.

Ahmed bowled in Bristol and finished with match figures of 1-100 from 31.2 overs.

Inverarity said that the option to add a spinner is still there but Fawad will be going home as his citizenship procedure will continue and then the intention for him is to go to South Africa with Australia A team as it is for Agar.

According to the report, Ashton's age is an ideal development opportunity so he will be staying with the squad but Inverarity said that the second spinner will be one of the two players and Agar's presence is no indication that he is ahead of Ahmed.

Agar will have the initial advantage of being with the squad if a second spinner is needed and Ahmed could be called up later for the third and fifth tests in Old Trafford and the Oval.

Steve Smith and Agar will stay with the squad until the start of the second Test when they depart for South Africa, the report added.