Fresh blow for Pakistan ahead of first Australia Test
Pakistan's preparations for the first Test against Australia have been dealt a massive blow with news that uncapped quick Haris Rauf has tested positive to Covid-19.
Rauf, who is well known to many in the Australian squad after previous stints in the Big Bash League, will remain in isolation for five days and will be sidelined for the opening Test of the three-game series that starts in Rawalpindi on Friday.
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His place in the squad has been taken by travelling reserve Naseem Shah, while fellow quicks Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf will also miss the opening Test after picking up injuries during the recent Pakistan Super League tournament.
Youngster Mohammad Wasim Jr was previously drafted into the squad and is in contention to partner Shaheen Shah Afridi with the new ball, while middle-order batter Iftikhar Ahmed may also be used if Pakistan wishes to include an extra spin option.
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Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-capt), Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Zahid Mahmood
Australia's tour of Pakistan:
March 4-8: First Test, Rawalpindi
March 12-16: Second Test, Karachi
March 21-25: Third Test, Lahore
