ISLAMABAD: Pakistan spinner Noman Ali, who was recently diagnosed with acute appendicitis, ruled out of Pakistan’s second test Against Australia to be played on the 26th of this month at Melbourn Cricket Ground. Numan Ali, who suffered from sudden and severe abdominal pain last Friday, was later rushed out to the hospital for the following treatment, as maintained by a statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Left-arm 29-year-old spinner Mohammad Nawaz has replaced Numan as the doctor advised complete rest to the former, who was recovering in the hospital, the statement added.
Muhammad Nawaz, who has already been inducted as part of the 17-member T20I squad against New Zealand, will leave for Australia on the first available flight.
Commenting on the newly developed situation, Chief Selector Wahab Riaz termed the incident as unfortunate, adding that in the current situation, Nawaz would be the only possible suitable choice for the side.
On Abrar Ahmed’s availability, who suffered a minor leg injury before the first test, the PCB statement added that the leg-spinner would hopefully be available for the 3rd test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground to begin on Jan 3, 2024.
Challenges to Pakistan Bowling in Australia
After losing the first test against the Aussies, Pakistan faces a challenging situation against the home side in the bowling department. Earlier, the team faced a blow after pace bowler Khurram Shahzad was ruled out of the series on Thursday due to injury. The 24-year-old pacer impressed the critics on his debut in Perth, finishing with match figures of 5-128.
Meanwhile, Numan Ali’s injury was a second blow to the bowling attack of the visitors. In addition, Pakistan’s bowling attack already suffered after speedster Naseem Shah left the side a few months back due to a long-term injury.
