Pakistan’s Chief Selector, Wahab Riaz, disclosed on Monday that pacer Haris Rauf won’t participate in the upcoming Test series against Australia.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Riaz mentioned that Rauf initially agreed to join the Australia series but changed his decision overnight.
“We discussed the tour with Haris Rauf a couple of days ago, and he consented to play Tests for Pakistan. However, he altered his decision last night and withdrew from the Australia Test series” stated Riaz.
“Fitness concerns and workload were on his mind. Despite assuring him of our support and readiness to handle any potential setbacks, he cited fatigue as his reason. Our physio confirmed no injury worries. While managing him was feasible, he opted out. This decision could impact Pakistan cricket significantly.”
Wahab Riaz highlighted the discussions with team management, intending to utilize Haris Rauf as a pivotal player in Test cricket. Pakistan’s frontline Test bowlers, capable of delivering impactful 140+ speeds, are all sidelined due to fitness issues. Riaz emphasized the need for players to prioritize national representation over personal choices in such circumstances.
Rauf has featured in only one Test match for Pakistan since his debut against England last year in Rawalpindi.
Earlier, Wahab Riaz had unveiled Pakistan’s squad for the Australia tour, with Shan Masood appointed as the team’s leader for the series commencing with the first Test in Perth on December 14.
The squad’s selection aimed at adapting to challenging Australian conditions by incorporating additional pace bowling resources, ensuring flexibility in team combinations across the three Test matches.
Furthermore, a training camp will convene in Rawalpindi on November 22, concluding on November 28 at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, before the team departs from Lahore on November 30.
Several additional players have been invited to the training camp, including Arshad Iqbal, Kashif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usama Mir, and Usman Qadir.
Schedule for Pakistan’s Test tour of Australia:
First Test: December 14-18, Perth Stadium
Second Test: December 26-30, MCG
Third Test: January 3-7, SCG