Pakistan team, still reeling from their massive 360-run loss in the first Test against Australia in Perth, suffered a huge blow as pacer Khurram Shahzad has been ruled out of the rest of the series due to an injury.

Shahzad had made his Test debut in Perth and along with fellow debutant Aamer Jamal, was the pick of the bowlers for the Shan Masood-led side. He dismissed Steve Smith twice in the Test and claimed 3 for 45 in the second innings with the additional scalps of David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne.

Shahzad complained of side pain when bowling his debut in the first Test in Perth and was taken for scans, which revealed a fracture in his left tenth rib. He will be unable to compete in either Melbourne or Sydney.

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"PCB will now consult a specialist in Australia after which a final management protocol will be established for the player. He will then return to the NCA in Lahore where he will continue his injury management and rehabilitation,” the statement said.

His absence adds to Pakistan's growing bowling injury woes. Naseem Shah was ruled out of the tour with a long-term injury, while legspinner Abrar Ahmed missed the first Test with discomfort in his right leg. He is a significant doubt for the whole tour.

In terms of a like-for-like replacement for Shahzad, Pakistan has Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim Jnr in the squad.

Noman Ali suffered a finger injury and Sajid Khan flew in too late to play in the first Test in Perth. However, he is expected to be part of the Pakistan XI for the second Test in Melbourne which begins on December 26.  Pakistan will play a two-day game against a Victorian XI side at the Junction Oval starting December 22.

(PCB inputs)