Khurram Shahzad will depart for Pakistan from Melbourne today

Melbourne: Pakistan fast bowler Khurram Shahzad will be departing from Melbourne for Pakistan today.

After consultation with doctors in Australia, the Pakistan Cricket Board has arranged a rehabilitation plan for him, which will commence at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

 Khurram had sustained a stress fracture during the Perth Test and was ruled out of the remainder of the series.

A day earlier, the national selection committee, headed by Wahab Riaz, approved Mohammad Nawaz as the replacement of Noman Ali for the ongoing Test series against Australia.

Left-arm spinner Noman was ruled out of the three-Test match series after being diagnosed with acute appendicitis. He underwent a surgery on Saturday.

29-year-old left-arm spinner Nawaz, who is already part of the 17-member T20I squad against New Zealand commencing from 12 January in New Zealand, will fly to Australia on the first available flight.

Wahab Riaz, chief selector men’s cricket team, said: “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.”

On Abrar Ahmed’s availability, the team management is hopeful that Abrar will be available to the side for the third Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, commencing from 3 January 2024.