Rizwan confirms Rauf’s availability for Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand saying that he is fully fit.
Rizwan confirms that pace tyro Haris Rauf is fit and available for Pakistan’s curtain-raiser against New Zealand.
Rauf was in a battle against time to be fit for the start of the competition after sustaining a sprained muscle in his chest while bowling in the first game of the tri-series against New Zealand on February 8. Though it is understood that his decision to miss the rest of the series was more a result of caution than a reflection of the severity of the injury.
“Haris bowled 6-8 overs a couple of days ago, and bowled a fair bit yesterday too,” Rizwan said at the captain’s press conference on the eve of the tournament. “He’s bowling with full rhythm today, too. He’s also putting work in the gym and isn’t complaining of any pains. We think he’s fully fit.”
Following the press briefing, Rauf was spotted bowling in the nets at the National Stadium during Pakistan’s last pre-tournament practice. It gives Pakistan the opportunity to use the bowling lineup that they consider to be their first choice, which includes Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi.
In the first game of the tri-series, the three played together in an attack that ultimately led to a loss to New Zealand. As Pakistan is ready to host their first ICC event since 1996, they play the same team in the Champions Trophy curtain-raiser tomorrow.
It is difficult to deny, though, that Pakistan enters their opening match as a significant underdog. New Zealand went undefeated throughout the competition to win the title after defeating them twice in the tri-series. After defending a total against Pakistan in one game, they went on to show off their versatility by easy to two chases in matches against South Africa and Pakistan.
In the meantime, they used a variety of spinners to contain Pakistan in the middle overs while dismissing injuries to fast bowlers Ben Sears and Lockie Ferguson, maintaining their fast-bowling threat.
“There are ups and downs and certain deficiencies in our side,” Rizwan said. “We are aware we need to bring about certain improvements in our professionalism and consistency.
“We tried to learn from the tri-series, which is why we batted first in the final to work out where our weaknesses lie. We used that series as a training experience. We hope we’ve learned enough to cover for those weaknesses tomorrow.”