Pakistan have roped in Mohammad Nawaz as a replacement for injured Noman Ali after the latter was ruled out due to acute appendicitis. Pakistan, already without Khurram Shahzad had two more casualties to contend with as Ali and Abrar Ahmed joined him, with the latter only missing the second Test in Melbourne. Both Pakistan and Australia will be eager to win the second Test starting on the Boxing Day (Dec 26) with the hosts leading the series 1-0.

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Nawaz replaces Ali

“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,” Wahab Riaz, the chief men’s selector of the Pakistan men’s team, stated via a release.

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Ali had a scan on Saturday (Dec 23) after complaining for sudden and severe abdominal pain. Upon check, the severity of the injury saw Ali get ruled out of the MCG and SCG Test.

Nawaz will make his return to the Test side after 12 months having last played against England in the home series. With 16 wickets and 144 runs for the side, he will aim at cementing his place in team with an opportunity to make an impression.

Pakistan lost the opening match of the three-match Test series by a massive 360-run margin having been bowled out for 89 in their second innings.

Shan Masood’s Pakistan will now have a tough task in hand if they are to make a comeback in the series. The 360-run defeat in Perth has seen Pakistan trail by 1-0 in the three-match series. The Boxing Day Test will be a big litmus test for the visitors considering a defeat could see them lose the Test series with the World Test Championship (WTC) qualification also on the agenda.

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