Pakistan opener Saim Ayub was ruled out of the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town on Friday after suffering a freak ankle injury. This will be a huge blow for the visitors, who conceded over 300 runs on Day 1 of the Test. With the Champions Trophy scheduled to begin in just over a month, Ayub's participation is suddenly a major doubt.

Ayub had to be stretchered off the ground in just the seventh over of the game, when Ryan Rickelton edged a ball through the slips, sending him off on a chase to deep third besides Aamer Jamal. The latter pulled it back in as Ayub stood poised to be the relay fielder but lost his balance and twisted his ankle.

The young opener went down and appeared in serious pain holding the lower part of his leg as the physio rushed into the ground. Despite long treatment outside the boundary line, Ayub couldn't put any weight on his right ankle.

"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," Pakistan Cricket Board's statement read.

Ayub has been the standout performer across formats over the last few months and was Player of the Series when Pakistan defeated South Africa 3-0 in the ODI series in December, scoring two centuries in three matches.

Ayub is one of the few all-format regulars for Pakistan and was expected to be a key figure for the team in the upcoming Champions Trophy that they will host, starting next month.

"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," Agha Salman said at the end of the day's play.

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