Image Credit- AFP
Noman Ali is the most recent bowler to be ruled out of
the series as Pakistan’s list of injured players grows. According to a
statement released by the PCB, he complained of “sudden and severe”
abdominal discomfort and was diagnosed with acute appendicitis. After scans
verified the diagnosis, he was admitted to the hospital on Friday night.
In the morning, Noman had a laparoscopic appendectomy,
which was considered a success. According to the PCB, he is doing well and is
stable. He anticipates being released in the afternoon.
Noman was a member of the initial Australian tour
team, serving as Abrar Ahmed’s backup spinner. Abrar did not play in the first
Test last week due to an injury he sustained during the tour game; it is
unlikely that he will play in the remaining matches of the series. Sajid Khan
was flown in by the PCB as cover, but he arrived too late to be able to
participate in Perth.
As a result, Agha Salman handled offspin
responsibilities for Pakistan, which started the first Test without a
designated spinner. Noman’s finger injury kept him from playing, according to
Pakistan team director Mohammad Hafeez, even though the PCB did not indicate
that he was unfit at the time. This was revealed after the Test concluded in a
loss.
Pakistan and a Victoria XI team are now engaged in a
two-day match at Melbourne’s Junction Oval. On the second day of the Victoria
XI batting, Sajid was the sole offspinner Pakistan utilised; Noman did not
participate in the first day’s play.
Due to Noman’s injury, Sajid is the only specialist
spinner in Pakistan’s lineup whose health is certain. It seems practically
certain that he will play in the second Test since Pakistan is anticipated to
field a spinner. Khurram Shahzad’s stress fracture in his ribs two days prior
to the series’ start severely damaged Pakistan’s fast bowling stocks. A
long-term ailment that Naseem Shah is now healing from prevented Haris Rauf
from playing in this series.