Pak suffers another blow as 'injured' Junaid ruled out of ODI, Test series against Oz

Under-strength Pakistan had another blow on Wednesday after frontline paceman Junaid Khan injured his knee in practice and was ruled out of the ODI and two-Test series against Australia.

The Pakistan cricket team is already without ace off-spinner Saeed Ajmal who was suspended last month from international cricket for an illegal bowling action. Last week all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez suffered a hand injury that forced him out of the limited-overs series.

Pakistan lost the only Twenty20 match to Australia by six wickets in Dubai on Sunday and started the three-match ODI series with a 93-run defeat in Sharjah on Tuesday, Sport24 added.

Pakistan manager Moin Khan said that Junaid twisted his knee in practice and after an MRI scan was advised to rest for up to six weeks. He said that Junaid injured a cartilage in his knee during nets on Monday and after an MRI the pacer has been advised a four- to six-weeks' rest.

Moin said that Junaid would receive treatment back home, adding that it is another big blow to Pakistan as he is one of their best bowlers in ODIs and Tests.

Pakistan face Australia in the second ODI in Dubai on Friday, a third in Abu Dhabi on Sunday followed by a two-Test series in the same two cities, the report added.