"Haris Rauf Should Be Part Of Test Side": Shahid Afridi On Pacer Opting For BBL Over Pakistan Duty

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi believes star pacer Haris Rauf should have been part of the Test squad in Australia rather than the Big Bash League (BBL). Rauf withdrew from the series before the team was announced, citing a desire to control his workload and safeguard his body. He played four games for the Melbourne Stars in Big Bash League during Pakistan's ongoing Test series against Australia.

Given his speed, the former cricketer believes the bowler would have done admirably in the circumstances. Afridi further suggested that Rauf would have enjoyed himself on the pitches constructed by Australia in Perth and Melbourne.

"I think Haris [Rauf] should be part of this side instead rather than [the BBL]. In these conditions, the kind of pace he has, he would have performed well and enjoyed himself on the kinds of pitches Australia prepared in Perth and here," Afridi said while speaking to media at the MCG as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Even by Perth standards, the ground at Optus Stadium for the opening Test was active, with fast bowlers appearing to acquire more help as the match progressed.

Afridi also stated that despite the decline in speed, he did not believe Shaheen was injured, and that Pakistan needed to invest in depth rather than individuals.

"I've never got the impression that Shaheen has an injury. If you're injured you can't play as a fast bowler. He knows his responsibility and how important he is to the team. The fast bowlers, we are expecting a lot from them because they've done well in the past. Babar, Rizwan, Shaheen etc. have performed so well we expect them to perform in every match. Relentless consistency is challenging in cricket," Afridi added.

"I have always said that unless our bench is