Haris Rauf struggled for his Test debut in Rawalpindi after Hasan Ali and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf were ruled out of the first Test against Australia over injury concerns.
Pakistan suffers Covid blow as pacemaker Haris Rauf tests positive ahead of Australia tests (AFP Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Haris Rauf in isolation after testing positive for Covid-19
- Ruaf struggled to make his Test debut for Pakistan
- Pakistan take on Australia in the first of a 3-Test series in Rawalpindi
Pakistan suffered a major setback ahead of their historic Test series against Australia on Tuesday when fast bowler Haris Rauf tested positive for Covid-19. The Pakistan Cricket Board said Rauf is in isolation on Tuesday, although the rest of the team started training in Rawalpindi, where the first of the three Tests will take place from Friday March 4.
Rauf struggled for his Test debut in his hometown of Rawalpindi after fast bowler Hasan Ali and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf were ruled out of the first Test due to injuries they picked up in the Pakistan Super League last week.
In his absence, Mohammad Abbas and Naseem Shah, one of the fast reserve bowlers, fought against Australia alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Wasim.
Pakistan and Australia began training for a hard-fought match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. It is Australia’s first Test series in Pakistan since 1998 and will be played surrounded by tight security.
The second test will take place in Karachi on March 12-16 and the third in Lahore on March 21-25.
