Injured Ahmed Shehzad ruled out of New Zealand Tests

Abu Dhabi: Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad was Tuesday ruled out of the Test series against New Zealand, a day after suffering a minor skull fracture, team manager Moin Khan said.

The 22-year-old, who made a career best 176 in Pakistan`s first innings total of 566-3 declared, was hit by a bouncer during the second day of the first Test between the sides in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Shehzad fell on the ground and during his fall hit the wickets with his bat for a hit-wicket dismissal.

Shehzad felt dizzy and had to be helped off the field by team physio Brad Robinson. 

He was rushed to a hospital where a scan revealed a minor fracture.

"We have decided to send him back after a skull fracture and advice to rest for four to six weeks," Khan told AFP.

Shehzad will miss the remaining two Tests, in Dubai (November 17-21) and in Sharjah (November 26-30).

Khan said Shehzad was likely to return for the two Twenty20 internationals in Dubai on December 4 and 5 and the following five one-day matches against New Zealand.

A specialist surgeon had advised 48 hours of close monitoring.

Pakistan already have two openers -- Taufiq Umar and Shan Masood -- in the 16-man squad and one of the two will replace Shehzad.