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Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has tested positive for Covid-19 just days ahead of the start of historic Australia tour of Pakistan. Rauf has been put in isolation and will be unavailable for selection for the first Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium which is scheduled to start on March 4.
Rauf could have been handed his debut Test cap in absence of injured Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf. In his absence, veteran Mohammad Abbas or youngster Naseem Shah may get a chance against the Aussies. Abbas is part of the main squad whereas Shah is a travelling reserve for the series.
Known for his raw pace and ability to bowl yorkers in white-ball cricket, the 28-year-old has played just seven First-Class matches. He has just 16 wickets with the red ball including a nine-wicket haul in a First-Class game.
The right-arm fast bowler was also a frontrunner to make his Test debut for his experience against Australian cricketers. Rauf plays for Melbourne Stars in Big Bash League (BBL). In 18 games he has played so far for Stars, he has taken 30 wickets from 18 games.
On March 1, Australian players had their first practice session since landing in Pakistan amidst tight security.
For the first Test of the three-Test series, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the government has allowed 100 per cent capacity for the historic Test series which will take place in Rawalpindi Karachi and Lahore.
All vaccinated persons, including children aged from 12 above have been cleared to attend the matches. On the other hand, unvaccinated children under 12 will be allowed as well.
