Noman Ali became the latest Pakistan cricketer to be ruled out of the Test series matches against Australia. Notably, the 37-year-old complained of ‘sudden and severe’ abdominal pain and was diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the development and stated that the cricketer was admitted to the hospital on Friday night and underwent laparoscopic appendectomy on Saturday morning.
The board confirmed that the operation was successful and the cricketer is stable and is expected to be discharged by afternoon. He is likely to take a break from cricket and return during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) if deemed fit.
Meanwhile, this is a huge blow for Pakistan, who suffered an embarrassing 360-run defeat in the first Test of the series. Noman was included in the squad after Abrar Ahmed was ruled out of the opening Test in Perth with an injury. But as things stand, he might not feature in the remaining two matches himself. Sajid Khan was brought in as a cover but he could not arrive in time to be a part of the first Test.
Hence, Noman was the only specialised spinner available for the visitors in Perth, however, he did not feature in the playing XI. Team director Mohammad Hafeez stated that he picked up a finger injury, which ruled him out of the first Test but he was expected to return in Melbourne. However, with him now out of the scheme of things, Pakistan may fall to Sajid Khan, who has played seven Test matches and has 22 wickets to his name.
Meanwhile, it's not just the spinners, as the Pakistan pace department has been hit with injuries as well. Naseem Shah is yet to regain full fitness while Khurram Shahzad has been ruled out of the remaining two Tests following a stress fracture. Either one in Hasan Ali or Mohammad Wasim Jr is expected to make a comeback in the second Test while the team management is also keeping a close eye on Shaheen Shah Afridi’s workload management, as he might be rested for the third Test in Sydney.
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