Lahore: Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has expressed his intention to bolster the national team's pace attack as they prepare for their upcoming ICC World Test Championship series against Sri Lanka. With the two-Test home series scheduled for November, Rauf is eager to make a comeback to the Test format after a hiatus.

According to International Cricket Council, Rauf, who has been a key player in Pakistan's limited-overs squads, is looking to address the team's pace deficiencies that were evident during their recent series loss to England. Pakistan currently ranks ninth in the championship standings, having faced a 3-0 series defeat to England and an 11-point penalty for a slow over-rate in the final Test.

Pakistan's pace department struggled significantly against England, with Mohammad Abbas being the sole standout performer, securing 13 wickets at an average of 25.38. In stark contrast, England's Ollie Robinson led the series with 21 wickets at an average of 8.76. Other English bowlers, Josh Tongue and Jofra Archer, also outperformed Pakistan's pacers.

Rauf, who sustained a quad injury during his debut Test against England in Rawalpindi in December 2022, has since focused on his white-ball career, amassing over 150 appearances and 240 wickets across ODIs and T20Is. However, he is now keen to seize the opportunity to improve his red-ball skills during the upcoming series against Sri Lanka and England.

"Playing the longer format allows you to improve yourself whenever you get time," Rauf stated, emphasizing his dedication to preparing for the forthcoming assignments. As Pakistan eyes a stronger performance in the World Test Championship, Rauf's potential return could provide the much-needed boost to their pace arsenal.