Haris Rauf eager to earn selection for Pakistan's World Test Championship squad

Pakistan will host Sri Lanka in a two-Test series in November, giving the right-arm seamer a potential platform to push his claims for a place in the squad. Rauf is keen to play a role in strengthening a fast-bowling unit that struggled during the recent 3-0 series defeat by England.

"There's always a purpose that is driving you when you play cricket," Rauf said.

"I am trying to put my name forward for the Sri Lanka series, and Pakistan is also in need [of a fast bowler].

"Let's see what happens in the future."

He added: "You look to improve yourself by playing the longer format whenever you get time.

"I had time to work on myself right now with the series against Sri Lanka and England coming up so I am looking to avail it. This is the best preparation."

Mohammad Abbas was Pakistan's leading pace performer, collecting 13 wickets at 25.38, while England's Ollie Robinson claimed 21 at just 8.76. Josh Tongue added 19 wickets at 16.31, with Jofra Archer taking 12.

Pakistan currently sit ninth in the WTC standings after also being docked 11 points for a slow over-rate in the final Test at Edgbaston.

Rauf has made only one Test appearance, against England in Rawalpindi in December 2022, when a quadriceps injury ended his involvement after 13 overs. He claimed one wicket.

Since then, the 31-year-old has established himself predominantly in white-ball cricket, taking 240 wickets in more than 150 ODI and T20I appearances. He now wants to use that experience to bridge the gap in Pakistan's pace attack on their upcoming tours. 

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