AUS vs PAK: Haris Rauf Joins Pakistan Test Squad Ahead Of Sydney Test
Published - 01 Jan 2024, 11:02 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 10:20 AM
Pakistan’s fast bowler Haris Rauf has joined the national team in Sydney before their upcoming third and final Test match against Australia. Haris Rauf has joined the squad as part of the preparations for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
Earlier, Haris Rauf opted out of the three-match Test series and decided to play in the Big Bash League. The right-arm pacer had a disappointing Test debut against England in December 2022, securing just one wicket in the first innings with figures of 1/78 in 13 overs.
The 30-year-old bowler showcased his skills with the Melbourne Stars team in the ongoing edition of the BBL tournament, delivering noteworthy performances. The right-arm speedster bagged six wickets in four matches, maintaining an impressive average of 16.
Pakistan currently trails the three-Test series 2-0, having faced defeats against Australia in Perth and Melbourne. The visiting team experienced a 360-run loss in the first Test, followed by a 79-run defeat in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Watch – Haris Rauf Spotted With Pakistan Team Before New Year Test
The Pakistan Cricket Board released a video capturing Haris Rauf traveling with the team to Sydney for the final Test. In the footage, Rauf is seen donning Pakistan colors as the team prepares for the ‘New Year’ Test, scheduled to take place from January 3 to 7.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not provided clarity on the bowler’s inclusion in the Pakistan squad, leaving uncertainty about his participation. The cricketer is unlikely to be featured in the starting line-up for his country at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
“Melbourne to Sydney. Pakistan team has arrived in Sydney ahead of the third Test against Australia,” wrote the caption.
Melbourne ➡️ Sydney
Pakistan team has arrived in Sydney ahead of the third Test against Australia ?#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/e7XHux1a1H
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 31, 2023
Haris Rauf Should Be Part Of This Side – Shahid Afridi
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said that Haris Rauf should have participated in the ongoing Test series in Australia, highlighting that his pace and skills would have been valuable in the Australian conditions.
“I think Haris [Rauf] should be part of this side rather than [the BBL]. In these conditions, the kind of pace he has, he would have performed well and enjoyed himself on the kinds of pitches Australia prepared in Perth and here,” Afridi said.
Pakistan is grappling with injuries during the series, with young pacer Khurram Shahzad and left-arm spinner Nomal Ali ruled out due to respective injuries. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who wasn’t featured in the first two games, has uncertain availability for the final test.
Pakistan began the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle with a 2-0 series victory against Sri Lanka. However, they dropped to the 5th position in the table after losing two Tests to Australia. The Pakistan team has 22 points with a percentage of 45.83.
Pakistan squad for Australia Tests: Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel, and Shaheen Shah Afridi
