“The Achilles tendon was intact and undamaged”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad is likely to be fit for the national team’s World Cup match against Zimbabwe in Brisbane on March 1.

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Shehzad “complained of acute pain in the region of the left Achilles tendon during a fielding training session” on Thursday.

However, Pakistan physiotherapist Brad Robinson confirmed that scans showed no serious damage in the area.

“Ahmed had an MRI in Brisbane this morning,” Robinson said. “The results showed a slight retrocalcaneal bursitis (inflammed bursa) between the Achilles tendon and the calcaneus (heel bone). The Achilles tendon was intact and undamaged. As the tendon is not involved I am confident he will be available to play against Zimbabwe on the March 1.

“Ahmed is receiving the appropriate treatment involving regular ice therapy, topical and oral anti-inflammatory medication and a heel-raise to offload the area. An ultrasound guided injection is not advised at this stage as he would require a four-day rest period following such an infiltration. He will be closely monitored over the next week.”