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- Ali was ruled out of the three-match series after he complained of severe abdominal pain and was rushed to hospital
- Ali’s medical condition is yet another blow to Pakistan whose top bowlers cannot play after suffering injuries
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board announced to replace Noman Ali with left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz in the ongoing Test series against Australia on Saturday after the former was rushed to a Melbourne hospital with acute appendicitis and was said to be in a stable condition after undergoing a surgery.
The decision was taken by the national selection committee, headed by former cricketer Wahab Riaz, after Ali was ruled out of the three-Test match series due to his medical condition.
The PCB said 29-year-old Nawaz, who had already been inducted in the 17-member T20I squad against New Zealand commencing from January 12, would fly to Australia on the first available flight.
“It is really unfortunate that Noman Ali is not available for the Test matches,” Riaz said in a statement. “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.”
Earlier, the PCB said Ali had complained of severe abdominal pain on Friday, leading to examinations and scans in emergency that led to the appendicitis diagnosis.
Ali’s medical condition is yet another blow for the visitors after pace bowler Khurram Shahzad was ruled out of the series on Thursday.
The 24-year-old impressed on his debut in Perth, finishing with match figures of 5-128 in the 360-run loss.
Pakistan already had a weakened bowling attack after speedster Naseem Shah was omitted from 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.
(With Input from AFP)