Pakistan's Noman Ali Ruled Out Of Australia Test Series Due To Acute Appendicitis Surgery
Noman celebrating his five-wicket haul. (AP)
Pakistan spinner Noman Ali has been forced to withdraw from the Test series against Australia due to acute appendicitis, as confirmed by a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The PCB statement revealed that Noman experienced sudden and severe abdominal pain, leading to emergency examinations and scans that confirmed acute appendicitis. Following the surgeon's advice, he underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy on the morning following the diagnosis. Post-surgery, Noman is reported to be stable and doing well, with plans for his discharge later in the afternoon.
“Noman Ali complained of sudden and severe abdominal pain yesterday, leading to examinations and scans in an emergency that confirmed a diagnosis of acute appendicitis. On Surgeon advice; he underwent Laparoscopic Appendectomy today in the morning. Post-surgery he is stable and doing fine. He will be discharged later this afternoon,” stated the PCB in its official release.
Noman becomes the second Pakistani bowler ruled out of the Test series in Australia due to fitness concerns, following Khurram Shahzad's earlier exclusion. This further compounds the challenges facing the Pakistani team, which is already dealing with injuries and illnesses.
Injury concerns in Pakistan camp
Seamer Khurram Shahzad had been ruled out earlier in the week due to a stress fracture in his ribs and a torn abdominal muscle. Pace sensation Naseem Shah is on the path to recovery from a shoulder injury, and fast bowler Haris Rauf withdrew from the Test series to participate in the Big Bash League.
Additionally, the availability of leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed remains uncertain due to discomfort in his right leg, casting doubt on his participation in the remainder of the series.
In response to Noman's absence, the PCB had previously brought in spinner Sajid Khan as an emergency replacement ahead of the first Test. The possibility of further additions to the squad remains to be seen.
Spin-bowling all-rounder Salman Ali Agha provides another spin-bowling option but operates as a part-timer. Despite bowling 40 overs in Perth, he failed to secure any wickets.
Facing an uphill battle in the Test series, with Australia currently holding the advantage, Pakistan aims to secure its first Test victory on Australian soil since 1995. The outcomes of the remaining two Tests in Melbourne and Sydney will determine the fate of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, with the hosts seeking to retain it through either a win or a draw.
 "Vaibhav Tripathi")
