Pakistan spinner Noman Ali hospitalised in Australia, out of series

NEW DELHI: Pakistan spinner Noman Ali, who was sidelined for the remainder of their series against Australia, was recuperating on Saturday following his emergency hospital admission due to severe appendicitis.The 37-year-old experienced excruciating stomach pain on Friday after being sidelined during a crushing loss in the first Test in Perth."Noman Ali complained of sudden and severe abdominal pain yesterday, leading to examinations and scans in emergency that confirmed a diagnosis of acute appendicitis," the Pakistan Cricket Board said."On surgeon's advice, he underwent Laparoscopic Appendectomy today."Ali was "stable and doing fine" but will not be participating in the remaining three Test matches in Melbourne next week. Ali has played fifteen Tests, the last of which was against Sri Lanka in July.After pace bowler Khurram Shahzad was ruled out of the series on Thursday, it is yet another setback for the visitors.On his Perth debut, the 24-year-old looked impressive, finishing with match scores of 5-128 in the 360-run defeat.However, scans revealed a torn abdominal muscle and a stress fracture in the ribs when he complained of discomfort.A long-term ailment kept speedster Naseem Shah out of the tour, further weakening Pakistan's bowling assault.Due to leg discomfort, Abrar Ahmed, a spinner, was unable to participate in the Perth Test. However, he may be able to play in Melbourne starting on December 26.(With AFP inputs)