Haris Rauf set for England tour after testing Covid-19 negative

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has finally tested negative for Covid-19 twice, making him eligible to join the squad for the T20I series against England.

Rauf was one of Pakistan’s 10 players and support staff to have tested positive for coronavirus at a training camp last month. Until July 20, the pacer was tested positive in five of his six tests. As a result, he was deemed ineligible to travel with the rest of the Pakistan team. It is understood that Rauf was an asymptomatic patient.

Rauf’s absence meant that Pakistan turned to Mohammad Amir, who had initially excused himself owing to the birth of his child. However, he later expressed his interest to get back into the squad and eventually returned two negative Covid-19 tests. Amir has joined the Pakistan team in Derby, confirmed an official press release by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Rauf, however, still remains a part of Pakistan’s T20I setup and is set to fly to England later this week. The fast bowler narrowly missed out on being included in Pakistan’s 20-man Test squad because of his health status.

England are set to play the first Test against Pakistan on August 5, with the T20I series starting on August 28 at Old Trafford, Manchester.