Noman Ali, Abrar Ahmed ruled out of 'Boxing Day' Test against Australia

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. Now, as per the latest developments, the PCB has released a statement and confirmed that Abrar has been officially ruled out of the 'Boxing Day' Test. Moreover, it was also revealed that the spinner will be undergoing a fitness test to assess his chances for the remainder of the Test series.

“Abrar Ahmed’s symptoms have significantly improved, and he has started bowling at 50 per cent intensity. Although he has worked really well since his diagnosis in Canberra, he still is not 100 per cent asymptomatic. Considering the nature of the injury and the workload required from a spinner in a Test match, Abrar is not yet ready and will therefore not be available for the second Test," the PCB press release mentioned.

Injury woes continue for Pakistan ahead of Boxing Day Test against Australia

Notably, 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 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.