Karachi: Pakistan quick bowler Haris Rauf has examined constructive for COVID-19, rendering him uncertain to make his Test debut in opposition to Australia within the opening match of the three-game collection, beginning in Rawalpindi on March 4. Rauf is presently positioned underneath isolation.
Rauf was tipped to make his Test debut for the reason that nationwide selectors had solely stored three pacers within the Pakistan squad for the primary match, together with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Wasim junior, who can be but to play a Test for Pakistan.
“Haris has examined constructive and has gone into isolation and with the Test simply three days away it appears extremely unlikely he can be out there for the primary Test beginning March 4,” a team official said.
With Rauf a doubtful starter, indications are that the team management might call up young fast bowler Naseem Shah, who is among the two travelling reserves with the squad. Wicketkeeper batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed is the other reserve.
The touring Australian squad had its first practice session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday amidst extremely tight security measures with roads surrounding the ground closed for public.
A full house is expected on day one of the first Test after the government on Tuesday allowed 100 per cent capacity for the three Tests to be held in Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore.
The National Command and Control Centre for COVID-19 announced that all vaccinated persons, including children aged from 12 above can attend the matches while children under 12 will be allowed unvaccinated.
The government had recently also allowed 100 per cent attendance for the final stages of the Pakistan Super League in Lahore.
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