“We will not take easy inexperienced Australia’s white-ball team,” says Haris Rauf

By our correspondent

LAHORE:  Pakistan’s pacer Haris Rauf said they will not take light the inexperienced Australia’s white-ball team and every effort would be made to give them tough time.

“No doubt they are inexperienced but we will not take them light and will utilize the home conditions and will give them tough time,” Haris told a virtual news conference on Sunday.

“Their players have got chance at international level after delivering at the domestic level and they will also make their effort,’ Haris was quick to add. Australia will miss their experienced lot including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Jose Hazlewood, Steven Smith, Maxwell and David Warner.

After a gripping Test series both nations will engage in three ODIs and one-of T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore. The first ODI will be held on Tuesday, the second on March 31 and the third will be on April 2.

“Yes, Australia have come here after 24 years and a good Test series was seen. The crowd supported cricket and was entertained. Every effort will be made to play good cricket in the white-ball series so that fans could be entertained,” Haris said.

Haris failed to get a chance in the Test series but is determined to grab the opportunity with both hands in future.

“Yes, I have dream of playing Test cricket. Unfortunately, I came in the start but returned covid positive. I went to quarantine, then returned and worked on fitness. It was a dream but the way team needed a combination, the way it played and the way Naseem Shah bowled, Shaheen and Hasan bowled so it was a good as a pace-attack. I still believe to avail opportunities which will come to me,” Haris said.

Haris said win or loss is out of one’s control, saying, effort is counted more. “In T20 World Cup we beat big teams like India and New Zealand. In the semi-final we made terrific effort. In cricket win or loss is always there but your effort matters a lot,” Haris said. He said they are very excited ahead of the white ball series and will try to live up to the expectations.

“ODI cricket is different and you know in Pakistan wickets are slow and you utilize the conditions. Today is our first practice session. I have already been practicing for the last three to four days and effort will be made to play good cricket,” Haris said.