Afridi to miss second ODI due to back injury

Shahid Afridi, the Pakistan allrounder, has been ruled out of the second ODI against Australia in Abu Dhabi, but is expected to recover in time for the third ODI to be played on September 3. Left-arm fast bowler Junaid Khan is likely to replace Afridi in the XI - the only change expected in the Pakistan line-up. Afridi sustained a back strain during the practice session on Thursday.

"He picked up a back strain yesterday night [Thursday] during the practice session," Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema told ESPNcricinfo. "So far, he isn't available for today's game as he has been advised indefinite rest by the doctor. I can't say much about the next game but if he recovers in time, he will definitely be in the side. We have ample options to replace him but I can't reveal the team's plan. It will be revealed at the toss."

During the first ODI in Sharjah, Afridi bowled his 10 overs for 37 runs and picked up the wicket of Australia opener Matthew Wade. However while batting, he was out off his first ball, sparking a lower-order collapse that left them defending a moderate total of 198. Australia won that match by four wickets in the 49th over.