Spinner rushed to hospital for surgery ahead of Boxing Day Test in another blow for Pakistan’s bowling stocks

Pakistan has been hit by a second series-ending withdrawal in as many days, with spinner Noman Ali suffering from appendicitis.

Ali, who didn’t play in the first Test, will miss the rest of Pakistan’s series in Australia after undergoing surgery in Melbourne on Saturday.

“Noman Ali complained of sudden and severe abdominal pain yesterday, leading to examinations and scans in emergency that confirmed a diagnosis of acute appendicitis,” a Pakistan team statement read.

“Post-surgery he is stable and doing fine. He will be discharged later (on Saturday).”

It comes after fast bowler Khurram Shahzad was on Friday ruled out for the remainder of the Benaud-Qadir series.

After impressing on Test debut in Perth last week, Shahzad suffered a stress fracture in his 10th rib, as well as an abdominal muscle tear.

Pakistan had already travelled to Australia with a weakened bowling line-up after quick Naseem Shah was ruled out due to a long-term injury.

Legspinner Abrar Ahmed missed the Perth Test with discomfort in his right leg, while fiery fast bowler Haris Rauf chose to play in the Big Bash League for the Melbourne Stars instead of appearing in Pakistan’s squad.

It left star quick Shaheen Afridi to carry a heavy load aged just 23.

Pakistan has lost its past 15 Tests in Australia, last winning back in 1995 at the SCG.

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AAP