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Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram has provided his perspective on Haris Rauf‘s choice to withdraw from the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia.
Haris Rauf’s test series snub: Selector’s discontent
Rauf’s decision, which displeased chief selector Wahab Riaz, prompted discussions about the potential reconsideration of Rauf’s central contract. Despite being a regular in Pakistan’s limited-overs squads, the 30-year-old has yet to solidify his place in the Test team, having played only nine first-class games. Rauf’s Test debut in the Rawalpindi Test against England last year was marred by a quad injury, sidelining him for the series.
Wasim Akram’s viewpoint on Rauf’s choice of non-participation in the Australia Series
Akram, speaking at the Kayo Sports’ Summer of Cricket launch event, expressed his views on Rauf’s decision, emphasizing the significance of Test cricket as the platform for players to establish their reputations.
“That’s his decision. He’s a contracted player, so there’s a lot of controversies back home. There are some white-ball specialist cricketers in this day and age … if he thinks he’s not there as yet, then that’s his call,” Akram said.
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Test cricket: The ‘big boy’s game’
Akram further noted that, compared to T20 cricket, bowling in Tests presents a more challenging and demanding scenario, referring to the longest format as a big boy’s game.
“Test is a big boy’s game at the end of the day. You’ve got to bowl eight-over spells. In T20 you bowl four overs and stand at fine leg. Piece of cake. Test cricket is a long race, and if you want to be remembered as a great of the game, that’s where Test cricket comes in,” the 57-year-old concluded.
Pakistan’s challenging Test series against Australia
Pakistan are gearing up for a demanding Test series against Australia, scheduled to commence on December 14. The series adds a layer of complexity with the opening Test in Perth, followed by engagements in the iconic Boxing Day Test at the MCG and the New Year’s Test at the SCG. The challenging tour itinerary sets the stage for a rigorous test of skill and endurance for the Pakistan cricket team.
