On Saturday afternoon, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that Mohammad Nawaz had replaced him, according to a statement.
Left-arm spinner Nawaz, 29, who is already part of the 17-member T20I squad against New Zealand commencing on January 12, 2024, in New Zealand, will fly to Australia on the first available flight.
According to the chief selector of the men’s cricket team, Wahab Riaz, it’s unfortunate that Noman Ali won’t be available for the upcoming Test matches. Due to various logistical challenges, including visa issues for new players, the team had to choose Mohammad Nawaz as the best option for a left-arm spinner.
Regarding Abrar Ahmed’s availability, the team management is hopeful that he will join the team for the third Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting on January 3, 2024. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed this information.
Noman Ali, 37, who did not feature during a heavy defeat in the opening Test in Perth, suffered severe abdominal pain on Friday.
“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,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said.
But will take no further part in the three-Test series, which resumes in Melbourne next week.
It is another blow for the visitors after pace bowler Khurram Shahzad was ruled out of the series on Thursday.
A 24-year-old cricketer made an impressive debut in Perth, taking 5-128 in the match that Pakistan lost by 360 runs. However, he later reported discomfort, and scans revealed he had a stress fracture in the ribs and an abdominal muscle tear. Prior to this, Pakistan’s bowling attack was already weakened due to the exclusion of Naseem Shah, who was unable to join the tour due to a long-term injury.
Spinner Abrar Ahmed missed the Perth Test with leg discomfort but could return for the second match in Melbourne that begins on December 26.
