'Trying to Put My Name Forward' - Rauf Aims To Add More Pace To Pakistan’s Test Attack

Pakistan are looking for a fast bowler who can regularly bowl at 140kph or more in Test cricket, and Haris Rauf hopes to be the player who can provide that extra pace. He is using the President's Trophy Grade 1 first-class tournament as a chance to show the selectors that he deserves a Test recall before Pakistan’s two-match home series against Sri Lanka in November.

Rauf took his third five-wicket haul in first-class cricket in the opening round of the President's Trophy. He finished with 5 for 34 from 13 overs, helping Pakistan Television (PTV) force Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) to follow on before the match ended in a draw.

"There's always a purpose that is driving you when you play cricket. 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 as there are quite a few games to go [in the President's Trophy]." said Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf.

Rauf has played only one Test match in his career, but his appearance was cut short by injury. He was forced to leave the field on the first day of the Rawalpindi Test against England in December 2022 after rolling over the ball while fielding.

In 2024, Haris Rauf was removed from the list of PCB’s centrally contracted players after he made himself unavailable for the Australia test-series. The board also stopped him from getting NOCs to play in overseas T20 leagues until June that year. However, the PCB changed its decision within six weeks, and Rauf’s contract was restored.

Rauf has not been picked for Test cricket since then. He has mostly focused on white-ball cricket, representing Pakistan in ODIs and T20Is while also playing in T20 leagues around the world. Since making his first-class debut in October 2019, he has played only 14 matches in the format, taking 47 wickets at an average of 27.04.

However, the current situation could give the selectors a reason to consider Rauf, especially after they brought in uncapped Razaullah as one of seven replacements for the final Test against England at Edgbaston. Rauf is also looking for such an opportunity, saying he is doing all the hard work in domestic cricket to put his name forward for selection.

"I played four-day cricket in the last season and spent time in Grade-II cricket before the [ODI] series against Australia as well. You look to improve yourself by playing the longer format whenever you get time.” said Haris Rauf.

"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." added Haris Rauf.