Pakistan fast bowler Harris Rauf has returned to an injury-depleted Melbourne Stars line-up for this year's Big Bash League.
Sighted as an express fast bowler capable of delivering the ball at up to 145km/h, Rauf first appeared for the Stars during the 2019/20 BBL, where he took 20 wickets across 10 matches.
He only managed a three-game stint in the 2020/21 BBL, but he is expected to play a large chunk of this season, with his first game earmarked for December 27.
HE'S BACK! @HarisRauf14 🤝 @StarsBBL #BBL11 pic.twitter.com/UjhitWYmOk
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 7, 2021
Fantastic form in the BBL (including a hat-trick at the MCG in 2020) propelled Rauf into Pakistan's international side, where he made his international debut in a T20 match in January 2020. Since then has notched up eight ODIs and 32 career T20I matches - including Pakistan's recent T20 World Cup campaign.
Melbourne Stars coach David Hussey offered his strong support and excitement ahead of the Pakistani's return to Melbourne.
“We can’t wait to see Haris Rauf back at the Stars. His addition brings experience, energy and quality to our fast-bowling stocks," he said in a Stars media statement.
"I’m sure the Stars fans will enjoy seeing him represent Team Green again in BBL 11.”
Likewise, Melbourne Stars general manager Blair Crouch said he was proud to welcome Rauf back to the squad.
"We’re delighted that he enjoyed his previous two stints at the club and has decided to return for another season, which is a credit to the culture that David Hussey and his team have built over a number of years," he said.
"He's an elite fast bowler who our members and fans adore and I can't wait to see him back at the MCG."
Rauf will add more fire-power and bolster the Stars' inexperienced bowling set-up that features Sam Elliott, Syed Faridoun and Brody Couch.
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That attack duly struggled against the Sydney Sixers batting order last Sunday in the first match of the season that saw the Stars suffer a 152-run loss. They were no match for the likes of Josh Phillipe, James Vince and Moises Henriques, who bludgeoned their way to a total of 213 for the Sixers before the Stars were bowled out for 61.
Rauf is currently in good form, after taking 6-47 and 3-62 this week in Pakistan's first-class competition. He has a T20 bowling average of 22.36, an economy rate of 8.32 and a strike rate of 16.1.
The Stars' seam bowling prospects are also set for another boost as West Indies veteran Andre Russell is also rumoured to join the Stars ahead of the new year.
