Rauf eyes Test comeback as Pakistan look to bolster pace attack

With Pakistan’s next ICC World Test Championship assignment due in November in the form of a two-Test home series against Sri Lanka, pacer Haris Rauf is hoping to make a case for a return to the longest format.

“There’s always a purpose that is driving you when you play cricket,” Rauf said.

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“I am trying to put my name forward for the Sri Lanka series, and Pakistan is also in need [of a fast bowler].

“Let’s see what happens in the future.”

Following a 3-0 defeat to England in their latest series, Pakistan sit ninth in the standings after an 11-point deduction for slow over-rate in the final Test at Edgbaston.

Pakistan’s struggles in the pace department were evident in the England series. Mohammad Abbas was the lone standout for them in the pace department with 13 wickets coming at an average of 25.38.

In comparison, Ollie Robinson, who was the leading wicket-taker in the series, had 21 scalps at 8.76, while Josh Tongue picked up 19 wickets at 16.31. Jofra Archer also made a steady impact with 12 wickets.

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Rauf is hoping to bridge this gap in the pace department in the upcoming tours.

The right-arm seamer has played only one Test against England in Rawalpindi in December 2022, where he was hit by a quad injury after he bowled 13 overs and picked up a wicket.

Since then, he has established himself primarily as a white-ball bowler, racking in over 150 appearances across ODIs and T20Is, picking up 240 wickets.

“You look to improve yourself by playing the longer format whenever you get time.

“I had time to work on myself right now with the series against Sri Lanka and England coming up so I am looking to avail it. This is the best preparation.”