Haris Rauf Expresses Desire to Play Test Cricket

Haris Rauf Absent from Test Squad Since Injury-Marred Debut

By DTD- On May 3, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s premier fast bowler Haris Rauf could be making a return to Test cricket soon after he addressed his future in the format while denying that he is deliberately staying away from five-day games.

In a firm response to recent speculation surrounding his Test availability, Haris Rauf made it clear that he has never turned down the opportunity to represent his country in the longest format of the game. According to Cricket Pakistan, Rauf stated: “I have never refused to play Test cricket. I will definitely play whenever I get the chance.”

Rauf’s comments are a direct response to criticism from various quarters who have questioned his absence from Pakistan’s Test assignments. The narrative that he was reluctant to play five-day cricket has lingered since his withdrawal from the 2023 Australia series, reportedly over fitness and workload concerns. However, the pacer now insists that the decision was misinterpreted and that his commitment to Pakistan across all formats has never wavered.

Haris Rauf has only featured in a single Test match so far, against England in Rawalpindi in December 2022, while he has been a regular in the other two formats. Unfortunately, that debut was cut short by an injury after bowling just 13 overs in the first innings. He has not been part of Pakistan’s Test squads since then.

With 88 wickets in ODIs and 118 in T20Is, Rauf has firmly established himself in Pakistan’s white-ball plans. But with Pakistan seeking to strengthen its fast-bowling reserves in Tests, the door remains open for his return to red-ball cricket.

Rauf’s availability could provide Pakistan with much-needed depth and variety, especially in the SENA region, where his express pace could offer a valuable option for the team. By publicly reaffirming his commitment to Test cricket, Haris Rauf not only clears the air but also repositions himself as a multi-format option.

Whether we will see Rauf don the green cap ever again remains to be seen, but for now, Rauf’s message is simple yet significant: he’s ready and willing for the red-ball challenge.