Haris Rauf Eyes Test Recall Ahead of Sri Lanka Series
Ahead of Pakistan’s November home series against Sri Lanka, Haris Rauf is making a direct bid for Test selection. The 32-year-old fast bowler has made a successful return to domestic cricket by taking 5 for 34 in 13 overs while playing for Pakistan Television in the President’s Trophy.
Despite the match concluding in a draw, his performance assisted PTV in compelling their opponents to continue.
Rauf’s application for Test recall is the result of an extended absence from the format. On December 1, 2022, he made his sole Test appearance against England in Rawalpindi. During the match, he bowled 13 overs and conceded 78 runs, while also capturing the wicket of Zak Crawley.
The opening day of the match saw England score 506 runs for 4 wickets, a record for the most runs scored on the first day of a Test match. Rauf sustained a quad muscle tear while fielding during that match and has not participated in Test cricket since.
Rauf acknowledged Pakistan’s urgent requirement for pace bowling and expressed his desire to return to the longest format.
Pakistan’s pace assault is currently being examined.
Pakistan’s quick bowling attack has been the subject of scrutiny during recent Test tours. In 2026, the team embarked on a tour of Bangladesh, the West Indies, and England. In each of the three series, the average velocity of the fast bowlers was lower than that of the host nation’s attacks.
Selectors have demonstrated a willingness to investigate novel alternatives by selecting Razaullah, an uncapped bowler, as one of seven replacements for the final Test against England at Edgbaston. An offense that bowled at speeds between 120 and 130 kilometers per hour was distinguished by Razaullah.
Despite his international reputation in shorter formats, Haris Rauf has limited first-class experience. He has only appeared in 14 first-class matches since his debut in October 2019, during which time he has taken 47 wickets at an average of 27.04.
Prior to his most recent participation in the President’s Trophy, his most recent first-class appearance occurred in October 2025 during the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Throughout his international cricket career, Rauf has taken 107 and 133 wickets in 59 ODIs and 94 T20Is, respectively.
Haris Rauf believes that domestic cricket is the most effective method of preparation.
In recent months, Haris Rauf has been preparing for his return to four-day cricket and has emphasized the importance of domestic competition as a means of honing his abilities.
Pakistan continues to prioritize the acquisition of pace bowlers at the Test level in anticipation of the Sri Lanka series. Haris Rauf recent domestic performance and his expressed dedication to the format established him as a viable candidate to fill the vacancy.
Before selectors made their final squad decisions for the November fixtures, the President’s Trophy provided him with the opportunity to present his case.
