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Pakistan cricket team has been dealt with a major blow as debutant Haris Rauf has been ruled out of the second Test in Multan, owing to an injury in his right quad while fielding in the first of the three-Test match series against England at Rawalpindi Stadium. According to reports, Rauf's participation in entire series is also doubtful now.
Notably, the 29-year-old was sent for MRI scans, and did not take the field for the rest of the game. Rauf had a forgettable outing in his debut match as he conceded 78 runs in 13 overs, turning out to be the most expensive bowler on Day 1.
With the unavailability of Shahen Shah Afridi, Rauf's injury has opened the doors for Mohammad Wasim Jr, who is the only other specialist of that rank in the squad. Wasim's inclusion in the squad will see yet another debut for a Pakistan player in the series, with already four new caps handed out in Rawalpindi Test.
Notably, Rauf was among the debutant alongside Zahid Mahmood, Saud Shekeel and Muhammad Ali in the Rawalpindi Test. Speaking of the match, Pakistan is currently on the brink of losing the game with just a wicket in hand, and more than 75 runs yet to score.
The 1st Test between England and Pakistan saw enormous number of runs being scored from both the side, as four of England batters - Zak Crawley (122), Ben Duckett (107), Ollie Pope (108), and Harry Brook (153) smashed centuries. Ben Stokes-led side posted 657-10 in the 1st innings, before Pakistan put up a valiant fightback with Abdullah Shafique (114), Imam-ul-Haq (121), and Babar Azam (136) playing important innings.
Pakistan was tasked to chase 343-run target against the Three Lions, but except Saud Shakeel’s 76 none-of-the batters could deliver clinical performance. For England, James Anderson and Ollie Robbinson bagged four wickets each in the game.
