Shan Masood out with fractured finger for second Test

Pakistan's hopes of leveling their Test cricket series against the West Indies have been dealt a significant blow with the news that top-order batter Shan Masood has been ruled out of the decisive second match due to a fractured left index finger. The injury, sustained during the first Test in Trinidad, leaves the touring side without a key senior player as they attempt to rebound from a 90-run defeat.

The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed Masood's absence in a statement, noting he sustained the injury to his left hand during the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. The fracture occurred when he was struck by a delivery from West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales during Pakistan's first innings. Despite the injury, Masood went on to score a century, his seventh in Test cricket. He did not field in the West Indies' second innings and, visibly in pain, batted one-handed at number eight in the final chase, scoring just three runs before being dismissed.

Masood will remain with the squad for the remainder of the tour and will travel with the team to England, but his participation in the upcoming three-Test series there is uncertain. The board stated his availability for the...