Haris Rauf aims to play Test cricket for Pakistan in Sri Lanka series
Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has expressed his ambition to represent his country in Test cricket ahead of the forthcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is scheduled to tour Pakistan in November. Pakistan currently occupies the bottom position on the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table.Predominantly known as a white-ball specialist, Rauf has played only 14 first-class matches, taking 47 wickets at an average of 27.04, including three five-wicket hauls, with best figures of 6 for 47. He has featured in a single Test match for Pakistan, against England in 2022, during which he claimed one wicket.Commenting on his aspirations, Rauf said, “There is always a purpose that is driving you when you play cricket. I am trying to put my name forward for the Sri Lanka series, and Pakistan is also in need [of a fast bowler]. Let us see what happens in the future.”Pakistan recently suffered a 3-0 defeat to England, leaving them ninth in the WTC standings after an 11-point deduction for a slow over-rate in the final Test at Edgbaston. Their points percentage currently stands at a disappointing 4.63.The series against England highlighted Pakistan’s challenges in the pace bowling department. Mohammad Abbas was the sole standout pace bowler with 13 wickets at an average of 25.38. In contrast, England’s Ollie Robinson took 21 wickets at 8.76, Josh Tongue secured 19 wickets at 16.31, and Jofra Archer contributed 12 wickets.Rauf hopes to address this shortfall during Pakistan’s upcoming tours. Although established mainly as a white-ball bowler, he has made over 143 appearances across One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), taking 234 wickets.Rauf added, “You look to improve yourself by playing the longer format whenever you get time. I had time to work on myself right now with the series against Sri Lanka and England coming up so I am looking to avail it. This is the best preparation.”
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