MELBOURNE: Spinner Noman Ali will miss Pakis­tan’s last two Tests against Australia after undergoing surgery for acute appendicitis on Saturday, with Mohammad Nawaz drafted in as his replacement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said.

The 37-year-old Noman, who did not feature in Pakistan’s 360-run loss to the Australians in the first Test in Perth last week, underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy after complaining of severe abdominal pain.

“Noman complained of sudden and severe abdominal pain yesterday [Friday], leading to examinations and scans in emergency that confirmed a diagnosis of acute appendicitis,” the PCB said in a statement.

“On surgeon’s advice, he underwent Laparoscopic Appendectomy today. He is expected to be released from hospital later today [Saturday].”

Noman, who has played 15 Tests, the last of which was against Sri Lanka in July, was “stable and doing fine”, but will take no further part in the three-Test series Down Under.

According to the PCB statement, fellow left-arm orthodox spinner Nawaz will fly to Australia “on the first available flight”.

“It is really unfortunate that Noman Ali is not available for the Test matches,” chief selector Wahab Riaz said. “Due to logistical challenges, including visa issues for any new player, and considering the requirement for a left-arm spinner, Nawaz was the best available choice for the side.”

Noman’s health issue is another blow for the tourists after pace bowler Khurram Shahzad was ruled out of the series on Thursday. The 24-year-old impressed on his debut in Perth but complained of discomfort and scans showed a stress fracture in the ribs along with an abdominal muscle tear.

Pakistan already had a weakened bowling attack after speedster Naseem Shah was omitted from the tour due to a long-term injury.

Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who missed the Perth opener with a knee injury, is racing against the clock to be fit for the third Test starting in Sydney from Jan 3, the PCB said.

The second Test begins in Melbourne on Tuesday.

Published in Dawn, December 24th, 2023