When new Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Selector Wahab Riaz revealed Pakistan’s Test squad for the Australia tour, the notable absence of Haris Rauf raised eyebrows. Despite the need for his pace on Australian pitches, especially in the absence of the injured Naseem Shah, Rauf declined to join the Test series starting December 14, even though the team’s physio assured he had no fitness concerns.
Riaz expressed disappointment, highlighting Rauf’s refusal despite being a centrally contracted player and the team’s requirement for impact fast bowlers.
Rauf, initially keen on playing Test cricket for Pakistan, had a change of heart on November 19, as disclosed by Riaz. Despite discussions involving team director Mohammad Hafeez, captain Shan Masood, and the coach, Rauf opted out, altering plans to utilize him as an impact player in Test cricket.
Riaz stressed that, considering the fitness issues with frontline bowlers, Rauf’s sacrifice for the team’s benefit was expected, especially given the modest workload requested.
“We weren’t demanding more than 10-12 overs a day from him, which he has done in ODIs. Our frontline Test bowling options who bowl 140+ and can create an impact are unfit, all 3 of them,” Wahab Riaz said.
Having debuted last year against England, Rauf’s Test career faced setbacks with injuries, notably during a dominant performance by England batters. Despite not being part of the Test squad earlier this year, Rauf’s expected inclusion for the Australia tour didn’t materialize. In his absence, Khurram Shahzad earned a maiden call-up, having excelled with 36 wickets in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023.
The 18-member squad is set to showcase their skills in Australia next month, preceded by a four-day warm-up match against Prime Ministers XI at Manuka Oval, Canberra, starting December 6. The three-Test series kicks off on December 14 at Perth Stadium, followed by matches in Melbourne and Sydney.
Pakistan squad for Test series vs Australia
Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Agha Salman, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi
