Shaheen's absence will definitely hurt Pakistan during England Test series, Rauf

Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf admits Shaheen Afridi's absence will hurt Pakistan in the all-important Test series against England, which starts on December 1 in Rawalpindi.

Rauf, who is part of Pakistan's Test squad for the series, believes that the rest of the bowling attack can fill in for Shaheen as he is not playing due to injury.

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“Shaheen’s absence will hurt Pakistan’s bowling attack,” Rauf said while speaking to a local media channel in an exclusive interview.

“However, the rest of the bowlers are also confident ahead of the series,” he added.

The right-arm pacer is also looking forward to making his Test debut in the upcoming series on his home soil.

“Getting a Test cap is important for every player. I will perform to the best of my ability if I make my debut in the first Test,” he said.

“The bowling mindset is different in red-ball cricket as compared to white-ball matches. I’m practicing while keeping this in mind,” he added.

Rauf also discussed England's aggressive cricket style in the longest-game format.

“We know that England likes to play aggressive cricket, and we are preparing accordingly in order to tackle it during the series,” he said.

England's first match against Pakistan begins on Thursday in Rawalpindi. The second Test will be held in Multan on Friday, December 9, and the final Test will be held at the National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday, December 17.