Left-arm orthodox spinner Mohammad Nawaz will replace Noman Ali in the Pakistan squad for the remainder of the Test series against Australia, PCB announced on Saturday (December 23).

Noman will miss Pakistan's last two Tests Down Under after being diagnosed with acute appendicitis. He underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy following the complaints of severe abdominal pain on Friday (December 22).

“The national selection committee, headed by Wahab Riaz, has approved Mohammad Nawaz as the replacement of Noman Ali for the ongoing Test series against Australia. Left-arm spinner Noman was ruled out of the three-Test match series after being diagnosed with acute appendicitis. He underwent a surgery today,” PCB said in its official release.

Nawaz, who is already part of the 17-member T20I squad against New Zealand commencing from 12 January in New Zealand, will fly to Australia right away.

“It is really unfortunate that Noman Ali is not available for the Test matches. Due to logistical challenges, including visa issues for any new player, and considering the requirement for a left-arm spinner, Nawaz was the best available choice for the side,” chief selector Wahab Riaz said in a statement issued by PCB.

PCB also provided an update on leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who was sidelined due to injury ahead of the first Test.

“On Abrar Ahmed’s availability, the team management is hopeful that Abrar will be available to the side for the third Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, commencing from 3 January 2024,” the board said.

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.