Mohammad Wasim Backs Haris Rauf for Pakistan Test Return
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Former Pakistan chief selector and Pakistan Television (PTV) coach Mohammad Wasim has backed fast bowler Haris Rauf for a return to Pakistan’s Test squad after an impressive performance in domestic red-ball cricket.
Haris Rauf made an impact during PTV’s President’s Trophy Grade-I match against Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDCL) at Islamabad’s Diamond Cricket Ground. Playing with the red ball, the pacer claimed five wickets and helped PTV enforce the follow-on.
Although the match eventually ended in a draw, Haris’ bowling performance has renewed discussion about his potential return to Test cricket.
Wasim Wants Haris in the Test Squad
Mohammad Wasim, who is currently coaching PTV, praised Haris for his pace, control and ability to generate movement with the red ball.
According to Wasim, Haris followed the bowling plans effectively and maintained consistency throughout his spell.
Wasim believes Pakistan could benefit from having a fast bowler with Haris’ pace and aggression in the Test team. He has also backed the pacer for selection in Pakistan’s upcoming home Test series against Sri Lanka.
Pakistan’s Test bowling attack has faced challenges in recent years, with injuries and inconsistent performances affecting some of the team’s established fast bowlers.
Haris Rauf’s Domestic Red-Ball Record
Despite making his international debut in 2020, Haris has played relatively few first-class matches.
The President’s Trophy encounter was only his 14th first-class appearance. After taking five wickets in the match, his first-class tally reached 47 wickets at an average of 27.04.
The performance provided another opportunity for the fast bowler to demonstrate his ability with the longer-format red ball.
Haris Has Played Only One Test
Haris Rauf has represented Pakistan extensively in limited-overs cricket but has had a very limited Test career.
The fast bowler made his Test debut against England in Rawalpindi in 2022. He took one wicket in that match, which was heavily dominated by the batters.
He was later selected for Pakistan’s three-Test tour of Australia in December 2023 but withdrew from the series, with workload and fitness concerns reported at the time.
The decision led to criticism from some sections of the PCB, fans and former cricketers and contributed to questions about Haris’ commitment to Test cricket.
Wasim Rejects Claims That Haris Avoids Test Cricket
Mohammad Wasim, who was Pakistan’s chief selector when Haris received his Test call-up, said he does not agree with the perception that the pacer is unwilling to play red-ball cricket.
Wasim explained that Haris had gone through the domestic red-ball process before being selected for his Test debut.
He also said that Haris was not fully ready when he was later called up for the Australia tour.
According to Wasim, Haris remains interested in Test cricket and wants to establish himself in the format.
Strong Limited-Overs Record
Haris has become an important part of Pakistan’s white-ball setup over the years.
He has taken 107 wickets in ODIs and 133 wickets in T20 Internationals, while his Test career currently consists of just one match.
At 32, managing workload is an important consideration for a fast bowler, but Wasim believes Haris still has the desire to play Test cricket.
Pakistan are scheduled to face Sri Lanka in a two-Test home series in November, followed by a two-Test series against New Zealand in March next year as part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
Haris’ recent domestic performance could therefore keep him in contention for a place in Pakistan’s Test plans.
