Pakistan star Haris Rauf ruled out of first Test with COVID-19 – Sporting News

Pakistan have suffered another huge setback with exciting quick Haris Rauf ruled out of the first Test against Australia after testing positive for COVID-19.

With fast bowler Hasan Ali and allrounder Faheem Ashraf omitted through injury recently, Rauf, who featured for BBL side Melbourne Stars, was called up to make his Test debut in his hometown in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed Rauf had returned a positive test and will isolate for five days before re-joining the squad ahead of the second Test in Karachi, pending a negative test.

MORE: Australia’s first outing in Pakistan a reminder this is no ordinary tour

Naseem Shah, who was originally a travelling reserve, has been added to the Pakistan squad as Rauf’s replacement.

Both sides re-commenced their preparations on Tuesday at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium ahead of the first Test on Friday, March 4th.

Read More