Watch: Haris Rauf's Embarrassing Entry Without Pads, Helmet, Or Gloves During Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder Match In BBL 2023-24
Published - 23 Dec 2023, 05:50 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 10:19 AM
Haris Rauf walked out to bat without wearing pads during a Big Bash League (BBL) 2023 match between the Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder. The video of Haris Rauf’s unconventional approach to avoiding a time-out has garnered significant attention on social media.
The Melbourne Stars elected to bat first at the Lavington Sports Oval in Albury on Saturday. Beau Webster scored 59 runs off 44 balls, and skipper Glenn Maxwell contributed 30 off 26. Opener Thomas Rogers (21) and Hilton Cartwright (22) also provided valuable support.
During the last over of the Stars’ innings, left-arm seamer Daniel Sams achieved a remarkable team hat-trick by dismissing Webster, Usama Mir, and running out Mark Steketee. This flurry of wickets led to the unexpected entrance of Haris Rauf, the No. 11 batter, to the crease.
Watch – Haris Rauf Walks Out To Bat Without Wearing Pads
The tearaway was not ready after the fall of the ninth wicket and was seen running into the field while holding a helmet and gloves in his hands. He wore the helmet and gloves after reaching the non-striker’s end. However, the lower-order batter did not have his pads on.
Rauf was spared from facing a delivery as Liam Dawson got out to Sams on the final ball of the innings. The Melbourne Stars lost their last four wickets in four balls in the final over. The BBL official social media handle captured and shared the video of the incident.
“No gloves, pads or helmet on Haris Rauf was caught by surprise at the end of the Stars innings!” wrote the caption.
No gloves, pads or helmet on ?
Haris Rauf was caught by surprise at the end of the Stars innings!@KFCAustralia #BucketMoment #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/ZR9DeP8YhW
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 23, 2023
The Sydney Thunder secured victory by five wickets as Alex Hales and Cameron Bancroft provided a flying start, adding 78 runs in 7.2 overs. The Sydney team chased down the target with 10 balls to spare. Beau Webster took four wickets for 29 runs in four overs.
The team led by Glenn Maxwell suffered three consecutive losses in the ongoing BBL tournament. The Stars are at the bottom of the eight-team table without securing any points. Rauf has failed to pick up wickets in the two matches he has played so far in the league.
That’s His Decision – Wasim Akram
Legendary pacer Wasim Akram commented on Haris Rauf’s decision to skip the Test series in Australia, stating it’s the player’s call. Akram emphasized that Test cricket is a challenging format, requiring bowlers to bowl longer spells, in contrast to the shorter formats.
“That’s his decision. He’s a contracted player, so there’s a lot of controversies back home. There are some white-ball specialist cricketers in this day and age … if he thinks he’s not there as yet, then that’s his call,” Akram said.
Also read: “Haris Rauf Was Worried About…”- Wahab Riaz Reveals Why Pacer Skipped Australia Tests
