Haris Rauf has tested positive for COVID-19, making it unlikely that he will play in his first Test against Australia on March 4 in Rawalpindi, the first in a three-game series.
COVID-19-positive Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf is uncertain for the first Test against Australia, which begins in Rawalpindi on March 4, after a positive test. Rauf has been placed in a state of solitary confinement. It was expected that Rauf would make his Test debut because the Pakistani selectors had only kept three pacers in their squad for the first match, including Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Wasim Junior, both of whom had never previously played in a Test for Pakistan.
An official from the squad stated that “Haris has tested positive, and he has been placed in isolation, and it appears highly doubtful that he will be available for the first Test, which begins on March 4.”
The management of the team may decide to call up young fast-bowler Naseem Shah, who is one of the two traveling reserves if Rauf is unable to start the match. Sarfaraz Ahmed, a wicketkeeper batsman, is the other reserve.
Australia’s cricket team arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday for its first practice session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where roads were restricted to the public.
The first day of the first test is expected to have a full house after the government on Tuesday approved the three tests to be held in Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore to be held at 100% capacity.
Only those who have had the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine can attend the COVID-19 matches, while those who have not received the vaccine can attend.
For the final stages of the Pakistan Super League in Lahore, the government has recently granted 100% attendance to all fans.
