Brandon King being stretchered off vs Pakistan [Source: AFP]West Indies batter Brandon King was one of the two West Indies batters to suffer an injury ahead of their second innings against Pakistan at Port of Spain, as the hosts looked to seal the series 2-0.While the in-form Justin Greaves, who had sustained a groin injury, walked out to bat for the Caribbeans in the second innings, the opening batter did not take the field after being stretchered off the field on Day 3. This raised speculations over his participation in the all-important final innings of the series.Will Brandon King bat in the 2nd innings vs PAK?The 31-year-old’s presence in the second innings was instrumental for West Indies to rack up a substantial lead in the match, considering Pakistan’s batting form.However, after he went down while running out Babar Azam at 88 off 147, he suffered a lower back injury and did not get up on the ground. He was taken off by the medical staff on a stretcher and did not take any further part on the day.Kavem Hodge opened the batting in his absence and scored 34(71), and just minutes away from the first ball of Day 4, Brandon King was officially ruled out of the match.West Indies ended Day 3 at 103/6, with a 60-run lead, and King getting ruled out means they only have 3 wickets remaining in the innings.Also Read: Devdutt Padikkal Increases India's Top Order Headache For Sri Lanka TestsWhy is Brandon King’s injury a concern?Brandon King’s lower back injury in the ongoing Test completely rules him out of the Test. But the concern goes beyond this series, considering he has had side strain issues previously.Due to a side strain in the middle of the T20 World Cup 2024, he was ruled out of the home ICC event. While side strain and lower back spasms are two injuries are different, they involve the trunk/core region and stress similar movements. Hence, West Indies will look to treat the injury with utmost care.Following his injury, West Indies’ second innings completely went south. Kavem Hodge, who opened as King’s replacement, top-scored with 34 off 71 and looked solid during his stay, but no other batter managed to go past 20 runs in the innings, and they were bowled out for 117, with King absent hurt.When will Brandon King return for WI?Brandon King is one of the few names who features for West Indies in all three formats and with the World Cup 2027 qualification cycle going on, the Caribbeans would want to tread carefully with him.They missed the World Cup 2023, and King’s presence in ODIs against India will be of utmost importance. There is no official word on his return yet, but he should ideally be available for the India series, starting September 27.Also Read: IND Vs SL Tests: How India Can Qualify For WTC Final With 9 Matches To Go
