Haris Rauf’s injury might force him out of the Pakistan vs. New Zealand match. The pacer had suffered a low-grade side strain after feeling pain in the left side of the chest and abdomen muscles. He didn’t play in the recently concluded tri-series, and his participation in the ICC Champions Trophy opener also remained a concern.
Haris Rauf unconfirmed for Champions Trophy opener
It was reported that Rauf was fit for selection. That the pacer needed a little while to recover. However, Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, has revealed that the pacer hasn’t bowled at full intensity yet. He’s holding himself back as of now. The good thing is that he doesn’t feel any discomfort as of now. However, it’s not certain whether he’ll play tomorrow (February 19).
“Haris Rauf bowled 80 percent yesterday, and today he is bowling at his full rhythm and told us that he is not feeling any discomfort, so I hope he is fully fit,” Rizwan told reporters at the pre-match press conference.
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Rauf himself is sure about his fitness. However, the final call will be taken by the Pakistan management. If he injures himself midway through the Pakistan vs. New Zealand match, it might hit the host’s chances of making the semifinals. They could choose to rest him for the opening game, and then when he’s confirmed as ‘fit,’ he can play against India and Bangladesh.
“I have started doing exercises a few days back and also resumed bowling since yesterday. I am feeling comfortable, and my body is okay now. The team management will decide about my playing in the opening match,” Haris Rauf had said earlier.
Pakistan’s squad for ICC Champions Trophy
Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf (subject to fitness), Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi
