BBL 16: Haris Rauf Switches to Adelaide Strikers Ahead of Season
Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf is set to appear for the Adelaide Strikers in the 16th edition of the Big Bash League. After five seasons with the Melbourne Stars, the 'Adelaide' side has now brought him into its squad for the coming season.
Rauf's move places him alongside England's Ben Stokes and New Zealand's Mark Chapman. All three are overseas players who will be available for the full duration of the tournament.
The pacer's numbers in the BBL speak for themselves. He collected 56 wickets during his time with the Melbourne Stars. Against the Hobart Hurricanes, he produced one of his best spells, taking 5 wickets while conceding just 27 runs.
On joining his new side, Rauf said he was thrilled to begin a fresh phase in the league. "I am eager to get started with the Adelaide Strikers. Adelaide Oval is among the finest cricket venues in the world, and playing there has always been a pleasure. The Strikers have a strong squad featuring world-class talent such as Ben Stokes, Matt Short and Mark Chapman, and I am excited about the opportunity to play with them."
Rauf first featured in the BBL during the 9th season, when South African great Dale Steyn's injury opened the door for him. He took full advantage, finishing with 20 wickets, which included a hat-trick against the Sydney Thunder. In BBL 14, he took 18 wickets and won the Golden Arm award as the tournament's leading wicket-taker.
Adelaide Strikers coach Tim Paine said Rauf's addition would give the team a major lift. "Haris is a proven match-winner who has delivered at the top level in international cricket and franchise competitions across the globe. Watching him bowl at Adelaide Oval will be a treat for our supporters. He is one of the quickest bowlers in the world and has the ability to shift a game in an instant. He is an exciting, highly competitive cricketer who will bring plenty of energy to the group. Keeping all our international players available throughout the tournament was a key goal in our off-season, and we are confident it will benefit the team considerably."