AUS v PAK 2023-24: Pakistan's injury crisis worsens as Noman Ali ruled out of remainder of Test series

The list of absentees in Pakistan's bowling line-up continues to grow.

Pakistan's injury crisis in the ongoing Test tour of Australia continues to grow as left-arm spinner Noman Ali has now been ruled out after being diagnosed with acute appendicitis.

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

“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,” it added.

This development adds to Pakistan's bowling challenges, particularly with leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed already sidelined due to injury. Sajid Khan is the only fit premier spinner in the squad currently.

Earlier this week, pacer Khurram Shahzad was ruled out of the remainder of the Test series with a rib stress fracture.

The unavailability of key fast bowlers such as Naseem Shah (recovering from shoulder injury) and Haris Rauf (opting out of the Australia Test tour) led to the inclusion of debutants Aamer Jamal and Shahzad in the fast bowling line-up, alongside Mir Hamza, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Wasim Jnr.

Having lost the opening Test in Perth, Pakistan are trailing 1-0 in the three-match Test series. The second Test is slated to be held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26.