Haris Rauf is making a strong push for Test selection ahead of Pakistan’s home series against Sri Lanka in November. The 32-year-old fast bowler returned to domestic cricket with a great showing in the President’s Trophy, taking 5 for 34 in 13 overs while representing Pakistan Television. His performance enabled PTV force their opponents to respond, however the match finished in a tie.
Rauf’s push for Test comeback follows a protracted hiatus from the format. His only Test appearance occurred against England on December 1, 2022, in Rawalpindi, where he bowled 13 overs, conceded 78 runs, and took Zak Crawley’s wicket. During that match, England scored 506 runs for four wickets on the first day, setting a Test record. Rauf suffered a quad muscle tear while fielding in the game and has not played Test cricket since.
Haris Rauf emphasized his desire to return to the longest format, recognizing Pakistan’s urgent need for speed bowling.
Pakistan’s tempo attack is under review.
Pakistan’s fast bowling attack has come under scrutiny during recent Test tours. In 2026, the squad toured Bangladesh, the West Indies, and England, and the average pace of the fast bowlers in all three series was slower than the host nations’ attacks. Selectors have demonstrated a willingness to consider new options, with uncapped bowler Razaullah named one of seven replacements for the last Test against England at Edgbaston. Razaullah stood out among an attack that bowled at 120 to 130 kilometers per hour.
Haris Rauf has scant first-class experience, despite his international success in shorter formats. Since his debut in October 2019, he has appeared in only 14 first-class matches, taking 47 wickets at an average of 27.04. His previous first-class appearance was in October 2025 during the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which preceded his latest performance in the President’s Trophy. Rauf has 59 ODIs and 94 T20Is under his belt, taking 107 and 133 wickets in those formats, respectively.
Haris Rauf believes that domestic cricket provides the finest preparation.
Haris Rauf has spent recent months training for a comeback to four-day cricket, emphasizing the importance of domestic competition as a way to hone his talents.
Pakistan’s demand for pace bowling at the Test level remains a top focus ahead of the Sri Lanka series. Rauf’s recent domestic performance, combined with his professed devotion to the format, positioned him as a candidate to fill the void. The President’s Trophy gave him the opportunity to present his case before selectors made final selection decisions for the November games.
