“My role with Shaheen and Naseem is taking wickets” — Haris Rauf
LAHORE: Fast bowler Haris Rauf has spelt out his role in Pakistan’s pace attack, saying that he, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah carry one clear responsibility: taking wickets for the team.
Speaking to the media in Lahore, Rauf stressed that the trio’s job remains unchanged despite the changing demands of modern one-day cricket.
“My role, along with Naseem and Shaheen, is to take wickets for the team. This is a team game, and everyone is supporting one another,” Rauf said.
Shaheen presence “always beneficial”
Rauf described having Shaheen, Pakistan’s ODI captain, in the side as a major advantage for the hosts.
“Having Shaheen in the team is always beneficial,” he added.
Shaheen and Rauf have bowled together for Pakistan and for Lahore Qalandars since 2018, and Shaheen has previously called Rauf a wicket-taker and the team’s main bowler in white-ball cricket. Pakistan’s T20 squad shake-up has drawn criticism from former players, but Rauf’s comments underline the confidence within the current ODI set-up.
Adapting to high-scoring cricket
Rauf said defending 300 was a good sign for Pakistan but admitted the team must adjust to the game’s high-scoring direction.
“Defending 300 runs is a good sign. Our effort is to ensure that the bowling unit continues to perform well. When teams are scoring more than 300 or 400 runs, we also have to think about posting totals of 350 and defending them,” he said.
Samaa reported that Rauf went further, saying Pakistan may need to target around 350 and defend it at the upcoming World Cup, given how often 400-run totals are now posted in international cricket.
The pacer identified the middle overs as the key battleground. “You have to take wickets in the middle overs. Wherever you play in the world, runs are scored because cricket has changed,” he remarked.
Pace remains the X-factor
Rauf described express pace as an X-factor in the modern game and said he continued to work on his fitness and speed to improve his performances.
“A fast bowler is an X-factor in today’s cricket. I continue to work on my fitness and pace so that I can give people fewer reasons to talk,” Rauf said, playing down criticism and reaffirming his commitment to performing for Pakistan.
Looking ahead to the rest of the tri-series in Lahore, Rauf backed Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman to score runs and expressed hope that Pakistan would maintain their momentum. Pakistan are hosting England and Sri Lanka in a seven-match ODI tri-series.
Tri-series picture
Pakistan have won their opening two matches, against Sri Lanka and England, to bring a strong first half of the tri-series to a close. Sri Lanka then beat England in the third match, a runfest that set new records for the series.
After a two-day break, the tournament resumes in Lahore, where Pakistan face England in the fourth match at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.
Sri Lanka named Kusal Mendis to lead their 16-member squad in Pakistan, while England rested Jofra Archer for the tri-series. Shaun Tait’s return as bowling consultant has given the pace unit an experienced hand.
FAQ
What did Haris Rauf say about his bowling role?
Rauf said his role alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah is to take wickets for Pakistan, adding that “this is a team game, and everyone is supporting one another.”
How has Pakistan started the ODI tri-series?
Pakistan have won their opening two matches, against Sri Lanka and England, making a strong start to the home tri-series.
When is Pakistan’s next tri-series match?
Pakistan face England at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday in the fourth match of the tri-series, after a two-day break.
Why does Rauf stress middle-overs wickets?
He argues that with teams regularly scoring more than 300 or 400 runs, bowlers must strike in the middle overs to check the opposition’s momentum.
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*Best image: photo of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf (left to right, credit: ICC), as used by Geo Super.*
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