Wasim Akram Responds To Haris Rauf’s Australia Tests Refusal

Wasim Akram, the cricket legend from Pakistan, has responded to speedster Haris Rauf’s decision to opt out of the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia. Pakistan is set to play three Tests in Australia starting mid-December, but Rauf withdrew, citing workload and fitness concerns.

Speaking at the Kayo Sports’ summer of cricket launch event, Akram expressed that Rauf, a right-arm pacer, needs to participate in Test cricket to solidify his legacy as a ‘great.’ However, Akram acknowledged that Rauf is widely recognized as a white-ball specialist, noting that Test cricket demands a significantly heavier workload than the 20-over format.

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Akram stated that Rauf’s decision is his own, considering he is a contracted player, and there are controversies surrounding his choice back home. Acknowledging the prevalence of white-ball specialists in modern cricket, Akram emphasized the significance of Test cricket, describing it as a “big boy’s game” that requires bowlers to deliver eight-over spells, contrasting with the shorter formats.

Highlighting the importance of Test cricket for achieving greatness in the sport, Akram said, “Test cricket is a long race, and if you want to be remembered as a great of the game, that’s where Test cricket comes in.”

Last month, Pakistan selector Wahab Riaz mentioned that Rauf withdrew from the Test series due to workload and fitness concerns, expressing a desire to play in the Big Bash League with the Melbourne Stars.

While acknowledging the challenges faced by Pakistan, especially with a new captain, Shan Masood, leading the team after Babar Azam’s resignation, Akram believes that winning in Australia will be a tough challenge for the new management and leader.