Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf was spotted with the national team ahead of their third and final Test match in Sydney. Rauf had earlier declined to be a part of the Test series and was playing in the Big Bash League.
In a video posted by the Pakistan Cricket Board, Haris was seen travelling with the team to Sydney where the final Test match would be played. Several former Pakistan players including the chief selector Wahab Riaz had been critical of the player’s decision to skip the Test series.
“I think Haris should be part of this side instead, 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,” Shahid Afridi had said.
While PCB have not made it clear if the bowler is going to be a part of the Pakistan squad, Haris was seen in the Pakistan kit on December 31, Sunday. The player had received an NOC to play in the BBL for Melbourne Stars, which came to an end on 29 December.
AUS Squad for 3rd Test
The Pakistan speedster had a poor outing in the ODI World Cup 2023 earlier and had taken a break from international cricket. Without the services of Rauf, Pakistan had to bring in youngsters to fill their bowling attack. Pakistan were hammered in the first Test match in Perth, but played well in the Boxing Day Test. Pakistan lost the Boxing Day Test match by 79 runs after a spirited display from Australia captain Pat Cummins who picked 10 wickets in the game.
