Pakistan vs Australia: Haris Rauf tests positive for COVID-19
Pakistan pace spearhead Haris Rauf has tested positive for COVID-19. The news comes ahead of the first Test against Australia, starting March 4 in Rawalpindi. It is understood that Rauf has been placed in isolation. He is likely to miss the series opener. Rauf was in line to make his Test debut after Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf got ruled out with injuries.
A look at Rauf's career
Fast bowler Rauf is known for his propensity to clock over 140 KPH consistently. Over the years, he has fared well at the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Big Bash League (BBL). Rauf made his international debut in January 2020. As of now, he has taken a total of 55 wickets across formats. Rauf averages 22.76 in T20 cricket.
Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf ruled out of first Test
Ahead of the historic series, Pakistan have faced several blows. Fast bowler Hasan Ali and seam-bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf have been ruled out of the first Test. Ashraf is out with a hamstring strain, while Hasan has suffered an abductor strain. Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Wasim Jnr have been named as their replacements for the Rawalpindi Test.
Will Pakistan call up Mohammad Abbas and Naseem Shah?
Both Rauf and Hasan are unavailable for the first Test. Left-arm seamer Shaheen Afridi is the only mainstay seamer left in Pakistan's squad. Pakistan could call up their reserve pacers, which include the likes of Mohammad Abbas and Naseem Shah.
Historic series to kick off on March 8
Australia last traveled to Pakistan in 1998 for the Test and ODI series. Australia had won the three-match Test series. They also won the ODI series. Schedule (2022): 1st Test, Rawalpindi (March 4-8), 2nd Test, Karachi (March 12-16), 3rd Test, Lahore (March 21-25), 1st ODI, Rawalpindi (March 29), 2nd ODI, Rawalpindi (March 31), 3rd ODI, Rawalpindi (April 2), One-off T20I, Rawalpindi (April 5).
