Haris Rauf declares himself ready for Pakistan Test return

LAHORE: Fast bowler Haris Rauf has declared himself ready for a return to Test cricket, saying he would have no problem representing Pakistan in the longest format if the team needs him.

Rauf, who has played only one Test for Pakistan, made the comments at a media conference in Lahore after spending the domestic season bowling in four-day cricket for Pakistan Television.

“I was not ready for Test cricket earlier, but I have now played four-day cricket. If the team needs me for Test cricket, it will not be a problem for me,” Rauf said.

Domestic cricket built his endurance

Rauf credited the domestic circuit with preparing him for longer spells and said it had already paid off in limited-overs cricket.

“Playing domestic cricket is very important. It has helped me bowl longer spells, and I have benefited from playing domestic cricket in one-day internationals. Domestic cricket is just as important as international cricket,” he added.

Representing Pakistan Television in the President’s Trophy Grade-I, Rauf has taken 18 wickets in four matches at an average of 20.11 and an economy rate of 3.45, according to Geo Super. His haul included a five-wicket burst against the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited earlier in the season, which he has described as part of a deliberate push to make himself available for red-ball cricket.

Rauf said he consistently played the longer format whenever he got the chance: “I played four-day cricket in the last season and spent time in Grade-II cricket before the [ODI] series against Australia as well. You look to improve yourself by playing the longer format whenever you get time.”

One Test, one wicket, four years ago

Rauf’s only Test appearance came against England in Rawalpindi in December 2022. He picked up one wicket before a quad injury suffered while fielding cut his match short after 13 overs, and he has not been considered for the red-ball side since.

In first-class cricket, the 32-year-old has played just 14 matches since his debut in October 2019, taking 47 wickets at an average of 27.04.

The pacer had also made himself unavailable for the 2023-24 tour of Australia, a decision that led to his removal from the PCB’s central contract list in February 2024 before he was reinstated after a change of heart.

Pakistan need pace options

Rauf’s timing is notable. Pakistan’s fast bowlers operated below the average pace of the home attacks during this year’s Test tours of Bangladesh, the West Indies and England, a worrying sign for a country long known for express pace. Selectors have already shown a willingness to look beyond established names, taking uncapped pacer Razaullah as one of seven replacements for the final Test against England at Edgbaston.

A home series against Sri Lanka offers the next opening. The two Tests, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27, are scheduled for November 9 to 13 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and November 17 to 21 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Sri Lanka will arrive under new Test leadership, with Kusal Mendis appointed captain after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down ahead of the Pakistan tour.

Tait return welcomed

Rauf also welcomed Shaun Tait’s return to Pakistan’s coaching set-up, saying the Australian’s previous experience with the team would prove useful.

“Shaun Tait has worked with us before, and his presence will be beneficial for the team,” he said. Tait is back with the national side as bowling consultant, according to sources.

He closed on a positive note about the ongoing ODI tri-series: “The tri-series has started well for us. Our bowling has been good, and we have won both matches,” he stated. Pakistan host England and Sri Lanka in the seven-match tri-series.

FAQ

How many Tests has Haris Rauf played for Pakistan?

One. His debut came against England in Rawalpindi in December 2022, when he took one wicket before a quad injury ended his involvement after just 13 overs.

When did Rauf last play four-day cricket?

He is representing Pakistan Television in the ongoing President’s Trophy Grade-I, where he has claimed 18 wickets in four matches at an average of 20.11.

What are Pakistan’s next Test matches?

Pakistan host Sri Lanka in two Tests in November, forming part of the World Test Championship 2025-27: November 9 to 13 in Rawalpindi and November 17 to 21 in Lahore.

Who is Pakistan’s bowling coach?

Shaun Tait has returned to Pakistan’s coaching set-up as bowling consultant, a move Rauf welcomed, saying his previous work with the team would prove beneficial.

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*Sources: Geo Super; A-Sports; Crictracker*

*Best image: AFP photo of Haris Rauf reacting during day one of the Rawalpindi Test against England, December 1, 2022 (credit: AFP), as used by Geo Super.*