Pakistan fast bowler Khurram Shahzad, who was injured in the first Test match against Australia, will be departing from Melbourne for Pakistan today (Sunday), the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement.

“After consultation with doctors in Australia, the Pakistan Cricket Board has arranged a rehabilitation plan for him, which will commence at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore,” the PCB added.

Shahzad had sustained a stress fracture during the Perth Test and was ruled out of the remainder of the series.

He complained of discomfort and scans showed a stress fracture in the ribs along with an abdominal muscle tear.

“PCB will now consult a specialist in Australia after which a final management protocol will be established for the player,” the said.

The 24-year-old impressed on his debut in Perth, finishing with match figures of 5-128, removing Steve Smith twice.

The second test between Australia and Pakistan begins in Melbourne on December 26 with the final meeting of the series taking place in Sydney from January 3 next year.

Pakistan team was defeated in the first test match of the 3-match series.