Pakistan spinner Noman Ali out of Australia series

The list of absentees in Pakistan's bowling lineup continues to grow, with Noman Ali being ruled out of the Australia series due to acute appendicitis.The official statement from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reported that Noman underwent a successful laparoscopic appendectomy, and he is currently stable and recovering well, with an expected discharge soon.

Initially included in the squad as a backup spinner to Abrar Ahmed, Noman's absence adds to Pakistan's bowling challenges, particularly with Abrar already sidelined due to injury. Sajid Khan was flown in as a replacement, although his arrival in Perth came too late for him to participate in the first Test.

Earlier in the week, it was reported that Khurram Shazad complained of soreness in his left side in Perth and scans revealed the right-armer had picked up a stress fracture in his ribs and an abdominal muscle tear. With the second Test against Australia set to begin on December 26 at the MCG, Pakistan continues to face challenges in their bowling department.

The unavailability of key fast bowlers, including Khurram Shahzad due to a stress fracture, Naseem Shah recovering from injury, and Haris Rauf opting out, has led to the inclusion of debutants Aamer Jamal and Shahzad in the fast bowling lineup, alongside Mir Hamza, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Wasim Jnr.

The Boxing Day Test mounts a serious challenge for Pakistan as they look to crucial ICC World Test Championship points in Melbourne.(UNI)