Haris Rauf's Comeback: Resuming Bowling Ahead of Crucial Match

Haris Rauf, Pakistan's fast bowler, has resumed bowling after recovering from a muscular strain. Feeling confident, he's leaving his selection for the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand up to the team management. Despite his injury, Rauf remains an integral part of Pakistan's bowling arsenal.

Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf announced on Monday that he has returned to bowling in the nets following a recovery from injury. Speaking at the National Stadium, Rauf said he's feeling comfortable and now awaits the team management's decision on his selection for the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand.

Rauf suffered a muscular strain in his lower chest wall during the first match of a recent three-nation event. Despite the setback, he stayed with the squad as selectors called up uncapped Akif Javed as a backup after the initial game against New Zealand.

Known for his express pace and mid-over wicket-taking abilities, Rauf boasts 83 wickets in 46 ODIs and 110 wickets in 79 T20Is. He downplayed concerns over the squad's spin options, noting contributions from Khushdil Shah, Salman Agha, and Kamran Ghulam, highlighting the team's balanced pace-spin attack.

(With inputs from agencies.)