Haris Rauf, the pacer for the Melbourne Stars entered the crease unprotected on Saturday, December 23. This happened during a Big Bash League (BBL) 2023 encounter against Sydney Thunder at the Lavington Sports Oval in Albury.
The incident happened following the Melbourne Stars’ ninth wicket falling on the last ball during the first innings. Melbourne was reduced to 172/9 when Mark Steketee was run out on the 5th delivery of the 20th over.
Haris Rauf, pictured sprinting into the field with gloves and a helmet in his hands, was not prepared to enter next. When he got to the non-striker’s end, he put on the gloves and helmet. But he was not wearing his pads during his time at the crease.
Melbourne Stars were on the losing end of the first game of the Big Bash league 2023 double-header. Sydney Thunder won the game by five wickets and 10 balls to spare. This was the Melbourne Stars’ third straight defeat of the new season as they sit bottom of the table.
No gloves, pads or helmet on ?
Haris Rauf was caught by surprise at the end of the Stars innings!@KFCAustralia #BucketMoment #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/ZR9DeP8YhW
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 23, 2023
“Test is a big boy’s game at the end of the day” : Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram, the former captain of Pakistan, recently shared his thoughts on Haris Rauf’s choice to miss the Test series versus Australia. At the very end of the day, Akram believed that it is up to the individual. Wasim Akram spoke during the Summer of Cricket kickoff event for Kayo Sports.
The cricket expert said, “That’s his decision. He’s a contracted player, so there’s a lot of controversies back home. There are some white-ball specialist cricketers in this day and age … if he thinks he’s not there as yet, then that’s his call.”
The former Pakistan bowler said that, “Test is a big boy’s game at the end of the day. You’ve got to bowl eight-over spells. In T20 you bowl four overs and stand at fine leg. Piece of cake. Test cricket is a long race, and if you want to be remembered as a great of the game, that’s where Test cricket comes in.”
