AUS vs PAK: Haris Rauf should be in Test side instead of playing BBL, says Shahid Afridi
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has said that fast-bowler Haris Rauf should be playing the Test series against Australia instead of the Big Bash League. Australia beat Pakistan by 79 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to take a 2-0 lead in the three-match Test series.
Rauf turned down the offer to represent Pakistan in their tour to Australia and instead opted to play the BBL. The right-arm pacer represents Melbourne Stars in the franchise T20 competition.
Speaking on the sidelines of the second Test, Afridi said Rauf should be playing in the Test side instead of representing Melbourne Stars. Rauf has just played one Test and nine first-class matches in his career.
“I think Haris should be part of this side instead, rather than (the BBL). In these conditions, the kind of pace he has, he would have performed well and enjoyed himself on the kinds of pitches Australia prepared in Perth and here,” said Afridi.
After posting 318 runs in the first innings, Australia bowled out Pakistan for 264 runs on the back of the five-wicket haul from skipper Pat Cummins. The Aussies then scored 262 runs and set a 317-run target for Pakistan to chase in the final innings of the second Test in Melbourne.
Cummins emerged as the hero once again, picking yet another five-wicket haul to finish the match with 10 wickets to his name. Pakistan were in a comfortable position with 110 for 2 on the board but Cummins and Mitchell Starc ran through their middle and lower order to bowl the hosts out for 237 runs, winning the match by 79 runs.
With this, they took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with the final game slated to be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 3.
