Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg has backed the inclusion of right-arm pacer Haris Rauf in the Pakistan XI for the second Test against South Africa, due to begin from February 4 in Rawalpindi.

While replying to a question by Twitter user, Hogg said that Rauf’s extra pace and his ability to reverse swing would be an exciting addition in the Pakistan bowling attack on seamer-friendly Rawalpindi pitch.

Rauf’s selection in the 17-member Pakistan squad was not received well by few former cricketers, including former captain Inzamamul Haq and Lahore Qalandars’ head coach Aaqib Javed, due to the pacer’s inexperience in first-class cricket. The 27-year-old has only picked seven wickets in his short three-match first-class career so far.