Twenty20 pace sensation Haris Rauf has been cleared to join Pakistan's cricket squad in England after twice testing negative for the virus, officials said Thursday.
Rauf was ordered into quarantine on June 22 after testing positive for the virus, and despite never showing any symptoms failed four more tests before finally being cleared.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the 26-year-old will join the squad over the weekend.
"As per the protocols, Rauf has tested negative in tests conducted on Monday and Wednesday," the PCB said in a statement.
Rauf rose to prominence earlier this year when he took 20 wickets in 10 matches in Australia's Twenty20 Big Bash League. He has played just two Twenty20 internationals for Pakistan, but will be a key member of the squad in England.
Pakistan start a three-match Test series in Manchester from August 5. They will also play three Twenty20 internationals. Fast bowler Mohammad Amir has already joined the Pakistan squad in Derby after clearing two virus tests.
He had to spend five days in isolation after arriving in Britain.
The Pakistan Cricket Board, on Monday, named a 20-man shortlist of players who will be considered for their three-match Test series against England, with batsman Fawad Alam on the verge of returning after 11 years.
The selection committee, headed by Misbah-ul-Haq, decided to leave the likes of Ifthikar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Fakhar Zaman and uncapped Haider Ali, while two specialist spinners in Kashif Bhatti and Yasir Shah have been called into action followed by two all-rounders in Faheem Ashraf and Shadab Khan.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Arif Ali
