In a significant setback for Pakistan ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Australia, off-spinner Noman Ali has been ruled out due to acute appendicitis, deepening the team’s injury crisis. The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the unfortunate development, stating Noman’s sudden abdominal pain led to urgent scans and subsequent diagnosis, prompting immediate Laparoscopic Appendectomy.
With this latest blow, Pakistan enters the crucial Test match without their primary bowling attack, already missing Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf. Khurram Shahzad’s stress fracture compounded their woes, leaving the bowling lineup severely depleted. Sajid Khan remains the sole fit spinner in the squad after Abrar Ahmed’s earlier injury.
The team faces an uphill battle after their defeat in the first Test at Perth, heading to the Melbourne Cricket Ground without key bowlers. Pakistan seeks to overturn a historical trend, having not won a Test match in Australia since 1995. Despite the challenges, the team remains determined to mount a comeback in the series, despite the daunting task ahead.
