Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram recently gave fast bowler Haris Rauf some sound advice. If Rauf wants to create a lasting impression on cricket, Akram feels he should seriously consider playing Test matches.
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Pakistan is preparing for a three-Test series in Australia beginning in mid-December. However, Haris Rauf has not participated, citing fatigue and fitness concerns. Even though the team’s physio indicated he was not hurt, Rauf wishes to concentrate on shorter formats such as T20 cricket.
Wasim Akram’s advice
At an event on December 8, Wasim Akram stated that playing Test cricket is critical for a player’s long-term success. He acknowledged that Rauf could play shorter forms but highlighted that Test cricket distinguishes great players from the rest.
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Haris Rauf has only played one Test match, a 2022 encounter against England. Despite having only nine Test matches, he has performed admirably in almost 200 shorter-format games. He’ll be joining the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League soon.
PCB’s stance
Rauf has reacted to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) notification. The PCB demanded an explanation after Rauf said he would not be ready for the Test series against Australia due to a lack of red ball preparation.
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During a news conference on November 20, Chief Selector Wahab Riaz confronted Haris Rauf. Riaz revealed the team for the next Australia Test trip and expressed sadness at Rauf’s choice not to play in the series.
Haris Rauf, who has only played for Pakistan for four years, is irritated by the criticism. Before returning to Test cricket, he wants to be psychologically and physically prepared.
Conclusion
Rauf is presently in Australia for the Big Bash League (BBL) 13, where he has been granted permission to participate from December 7 to December 28. He does not want to play Test matches right now because he has to manage his obligations and perform at his best.
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Wasim Akram’s counsel emphasizes the importance of Test cricket in a player’s legacy. Haris Rauf’s decision would not only determine his career, but also how others remember him in the cricket world. As Akram says, the obstacles of Test cricket may be the deciding factor in Rauf’s cricketing career.