Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz has replaced Noman Ali for Pakistan’s remaining two Tests against Australia.

Earlier, Noman was ruled out after he complained of “sudden and severe abdominal pain”. After going for scans and examinations, it was confirmed that Noman had acute appendicitis.

“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, was quoted as saying in a press release.

Nawaz, who is a part of Pakistan’s 17-member squad for the T20I series against New Zealand, is expected to reach Australia on the “first available flight”.

Nawaz has played six Tests since his debut back in October 2016 against the West Indies at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Nawaz has scored 144 runs at an average of 16 in the red-ball format and has picked up 16 wickets at an economy rate of 3.10. He last played a Test back In December 2022 against England at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

Meanwhile, the PCB also confirmed that spinner Abrar Ahmed would not be available for the second Test. The tweaker has started bowling at 50 percent intensity and it remains to be seen if he can get fit for the Sydney Test.

Pakistan did make the best of starts after losing the opening Test by 360 runs at the Perth Stadium.

The second Test is scheduled to get underway on December 26 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).