PAK vs AUS: Noman Ali Ruled Out Of Australia Tests

Pakistan spinner Noman Ali has been ruled out of the remaining two Tests against Australia in the ongoing red-ball series. Noman Ali recently underwent surgery to have his appendix removed before the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Pakistan is grappling with injuries in the ongoing series, with Khurram Shahzad already ruled out due to a rib stress fracture and abdominal muscle tear. Abrar Ahmed, who missed the first Test due to discomfort in his right leg, is currently recovering from the injury.

Noman Ali was initially sidelined for the series opener in Perth due to a finger injury. The left-arm spinner was hospitalized on Friday evening due to severe abdominal pain. Subsequent scans confirmed the diagnosis, and the Pakistan bowler spent the night in the hospital.

Noman Ali Is Stable And Doing Fine – Pakistan Cricket Board

In the morning, Noman Ali underwent a successful laparoscopic appendectomy, as confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The board stated that Noman Ali is stable and recovering well, with an anticipated discharge later in the afternoon.

“Post-surgery he is stable and doing fine. He will be discharged later this afternoon,” Pakistan Cricket confirmed in a statement.

Ali made his debut at the age of 34 and has since become a crucial part of Pakistan’s red-ball bowling attack. He showcased his skills by claiming seven wickets in his debut match against Sri Lanka. He was initially included as a backup spinner for the Australia tour.

The PCB made a late decision to bring in Sajid Khan as cover before the first Test match in Australia. Noman was unavailable due to a finger injury, impacting the team’s combination. Salman Agha, a part-time spinner, bowled 40 overs in Perth but remained wicketless.

Sajid Khan Likely To Feature In Playing For Second Test

The Shan Masood-led team is currently involved in a two-day game at the Junction Oval in Melbourne against a Victoria XI side. Sajid Khan was the sole offspinner featured on the second day, making him the probable choice as the specialist spinner for the second Test.

Pakistan’s fast bowling was also hampered by injuries to Khurram Shahzad and Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf opted out of the series. Hasan Ali is set to make a comeback in the starting XI for the upcoming match, scheduled to commence on December 26 in Melbourne.

Pakistan suffered a significant defeat in the first Test, losing by a margin of 360 runs. The visiting team is now striving to secure its first victory on Australian soil since 1995. The Men in Green risk losing the series if they face another defeat in the upcoming Test.

The third and final Test is scheduled to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 3 to 7. Following the series in Australia, the Men in Green will travel to New Zealand for a five-match T20I series as part of their preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup.

Also read: PAK vs AUS: Shaheen Afridi Likely To Be Rested For 3rd Test Against Australia To Manage Workload – Reports