Pakistan will be without injured opener Ahmed Shehzad in an otherwise unchanged squad for the remainder of their three-Test cricket series against New Zealand in the United Arab Emirates.

Shehzad suffered a minor skull fracture after being struck on the side of the head by a Corey Anderson bouncer during Pakistan’s 248-run win in the opening Test in Abu Dhabi.

The delivery ended his innings at a career-best 176 after he dropped his bat on his stumps as he fell away in pain.

No replacement has been brought in for Shehzad, who has returned home and will take no further part in the series.

The 22-year-old right-hander describes what happened to him as “a routine thing” for a cricketer and says he is recovering well.

“Cricket is not for a chicken-hearted player – you have to be brave enough for it,” he told journalists in Lahore.

“If you are doing something for your country, these kind of niggles are nothing.”

Allrounder Mohammad Hafeez, reported for a suspect bowling action after the match, remains in the squad.

Hafeez, an offspinner, has to undertake testing within 21 days, but can continue bowling in internationals until the results are known.

The second Test begins in Dubai on Monday night.