Ankle injury rules Pakistan sensation out of ongoing SA vs PAK 2nd Test in Cape Town

Pakistan's young sensation Saim Ayub has been ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing second Test against South Africa in Cape Town. The 22-year-old was stretched off the field after suffering an ankle injury in just the seventh over of the opening day.

The injury occurred when South African opener Ryan Rickelton edged a delivery through the slip cordon, leading to Ayub and Aamer Jamal chasing the ball to deep third man. As Jamal pulled the ball back, Ayub, waiting as the relay fielder, lost balance and suffered an ankle twist.

The youngster immediately went down in pain, holding his lower leg, forcing the physio to rush in for treatment. However, it was to no avail as Ayub, in tears, was placed on a stretcher and carried off the field.

While he was sent to the hospital after the injury, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed his unavailability for the rest of the match.

"Saim underwent X-rays and MRI tests this afternoon. The reports have been sent to specialists in London for further advice on the treatment and time away from competitive cricket," read the statement [via ESPN Cricinfo].

Salman Agha acknowledged Ayub's absence would be a massive blow to Pakistan for the rest of the Cape Town Test.

"It's a big blow, the kind of form he's in. He would have been a great asset on this wicket. I wish him well and hopefully he'll be better soon," he said at the close of play on Day 1.

Ayub has been in breathtaking form on the tour of South Africa, scoring two centuries to help Pakistan win the ODI series 3-0. He also scored a brilliant 98* in the second T20I against the Proteas but in a losing cause.

South Africa dominate Day 1 of Cape Town Test after Ayub's injury

Saim Ayub's injury was only the start of a long and hard Day 1 for Pakistan in the second Test at Cape Town. After losing a heartbreaking opening Test by two wickets at Centurion, the visitors lost the toss and bowled first.

Pakistan enjoyed an excellent first session by reducing the Proteas to 72/3 in the 23rd over. However, it was all South Africa from that moment as they finished the day with a dominant 316/4 in 80 overs.

While Rickelton finished the day on an unbeaten 176 off 232 deliveries, skipper Temba Bavuma was dismissed at the fag end of Day 1 for a 179-ball 106.