Pakistan have included Haris Rauf in their squad to take on Australia in next month's Test series, with former Australian express paceman Shaun Tait to continue as the host's bowling coach
Rauf in line for Test debut, Aussie legend joins Pakistan
Pakistan have named fast bowler Haris Rauf in their 16-player squad for next month's three-Test home series against Australia while recalling opening batter Shan Masood.
Rauf, who was also in the squad for the Tests against South Africa and Zimbabwe last year, has yet to play in the longest format and replaced off-spinner Bilal Asif from the group who won 2-0 in Bangladesh at the end of 2021.
He has played both 50-overs and T20 internationals, while also turning his arm over for Melbourne Stars in the KFC BBL.
Masood played the last of his 25 Tests against New Zealand at the beginning of 2021 and came into the squad for Abid Ali, who is recuperating after surgery for a heart condition.
"We have opted for consistency for the important home series against Australia and changes have only been made where absolutely necessary," Pakistan Cricket Board selection committee chief Muhammad Wasim said in a statement.
"This is to give the boys confidence, reward them for their impressive performances in the longer version of the game in 2021 and continue to build the side for the future."
The PCB also announced former off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq and retired Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait would continue as the team's head coach and fast bowling mentor respectively for another 12 months.
Mohammad Yousuf will continue as batting coach for the Australia series, the board added.
Australia will play in Pakistan for the first time in almost 25 years with the opening Test scheduled to begin in Rawalpindi from March 4. Karachi will host the second Test from March 12 with the final Test to be played from March 21 in Lahore.
The sides will also play three 50-over internationals and one Twenty20 match.
Australia named a full-strength 18-player squad for the historic series on Tuesday, with Ashton Agar the only addition from the extended group of players that won the Ashes 4-0 last month.
Pakistan Test squad: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Zahid Mahmood
Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner
Qantas Tour of Pakistan 2022
March 4-8: First Test, Rawalpindi
March 12-16: Second Test, Karachi
March 21-25: Third Test, Lahore
March 29:First ODI, Rawalpindi
March 31: Second ODI, Rawalpindi
April 2: Third ODI, Rawalpindi
April 5: Only T20I, Rawalpindi
All matches to be broadcast in Australia on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports