PAK vs AUS: Haris Rauf Out of 1st Test? Here’s the update

PAK vs AUS: In an important news development, Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the opening Test match against Australia scheduled to begin from 4 March at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Australia is all set to tour Pakistan after a massive gap of 24 years where they will play 3 Tests, 3 ODI matches and a one-off T20I. The visiting Australian side has already reached Rawalpindi ahead of the first Test against Pakistan.

PAK vs AUS: Haris Rauf Out of 1st Test?

In a huge blow for hosts Pakistan, right-arm pacer Haris Rauf has contracted Covid-19 and has been placed into isolation at this moment. Rauf is very much likely to miss the opening Test match against Australia scheduled to start from Friday. The Babar Azam-led Pakistan team are already without the duo of Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf who picked up their respective injuries during the recently concluded edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Earlier, the hosts called up Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Wasim Jnr as the replacements for the injured duo.

In the absence of Rauf for the 1st Test, Pakistan are likely to bring in one of Mohammad Abbas or Naseem Shah, who are part of the reserves. It will be interesting to see whether spin bowling all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed gets a nod in the Pakistan playing 11 or not.

Related: Likely Pakistan Playing 11

Pakistan Test Squad

Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf(injury), Fawad Alam, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali(injury), Imam-ul-Haq, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Zahid Mahmood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim.

Related: Likely Australia Playing 11

Pakistan vs Australia 2022 Schedule

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