‘Criticism does not bother me,’ says Haris Rauf ahead of England clash

LAHORE: Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf said on Friday he was unfazed by criticism of his bowling, insisting that conceding sixes was part of the game as the hosts prepared for their next match against England in the ODI tri-series.

“Every bowler gets hit for sixes. Criticism does not bother me,” Rauf told reporters after Pakistan began training at Gaddafi Stadium ahead of Sunday’s match.

Rauf said that he was willing to bowl at any stage of the innings, adding that his role depended on the team’s requirements rather than personal preference.

“I have never said that I want to bowl at the start or at the end. I bowl according to the team’s needs,” he said.

The fast bowler also welcomed the reunion of Pakistan’s pace attack with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, saying the bowlers were focused on taking wickets and maintaining pressure on opposition batters.

“Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi and I are back together. Our effort is always to take wickets. Pakistan’s bowling is good, and taking wickets in the middle overs is important,” Rauf said.

Pakistan have made a strong start to the seven-match tri-series, beating Sri Lanka by 37 runs in their opening game before defeating England by 87 runs in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.

Rauf played a key role in the win over England, taking two wickets for 32 runs in six overs as the visitors were dismissed for 215 while chasing Pakistan’s 302-9. All-rounder Arafat Minhas claimed six wickets for 40 runs to seal the victory.

The team resumed training in Lahore under head coach Mike Hesson after a day’s rest, working on batting, bowling and fielding ahead of Sunday’s encounter.

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also visited Gaddafi Stadium during the session and met players and coaching staff.

Sunday’s match will be the fourth fixture of the tri-series and the first to be played in Lahore after the opening three matches in Rawalpindi.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has dedicated the match to breast cancer awareness as part of its Pinktober campaign.

Pakistan’s players will wear specially designed pink kits, while awareness messages and other activities will be featured at the stadium to highlight the importance of early detection and timely treatment.

Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in Lahore on October 27, before England meet Sri Lanka on October 29. The tri-series final is scheduled for October 31.