Pakistan’s left-arm orthodox spinner, Noman Ali, has been ruled out of the Test series against Australia due to acute appendicitis, adding to the team’s injury challenges. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the news, stating that Noman Ali complained of sudden abdominal pain, leading to emergency examinations and scans that diagnosed acute appendicitis. Following the surgeon’s advice, he underwent a Laparoscopic Appendectomy on Saturday morning.
The spin department faced unexpected setbacks as Abrar Ahmed succumbed to injury, and Noman Ali, the designated backup, was revealed to be nursing a finger injury despite being part of the original squad. With the first Test approaching, the PCB summoned Sajid Khan as cover, but his arrival in Perth came too late for meaningful participation. Consequently, Pakistan entered the first Test without a specialist spinner, relying on Agha Salman’s off-spin duties.
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The first Test defeat was compounded by revelations from team director Mohammad Hafeez, who disclosed Noman’s concealed finger injury. As the second Test looms, Noman’s pull-out leaves Sajid as the solitary spinner with a confirmed fitness status, making his inclusion almost inevitable.
The challenges for Pakistan extend beyond the spin department. Khurram Shahzad’s stress fracture in the rib ruled him out just days before, depleting the fast-bowling arsenal. While Naseem Shah is on the road to recovery from a long-term injury, Haris Rauf opted out of the series.
The remaining squad’s resilience will be tested as they regroup, aiming for a comeback in a series marked by unexpected twists and turns.
-IANS
