Haris Rauf or Dale Steyn? Tough call awaits Melbourne Stars after quick’s five-wicket Hobart haul
Pace revelation Haris Rauf says he idolises South African great Dale Steyn as Melbourne Stars juggle the headache of whether they can play both quicks in the same BBL team. Will Rauf make way?
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Haris Rauf has left Melbourne Stars with an almighty headache by tearing through Hobart Hurricanes in an inspired display in Moe.
The Pakistani revelation, drafted into the Stars’ BBL squad from Tasmanian grade cricket as a replacement for South African legend Dale Steyn, snared 5-27 as the Hurricanes crumbled for 111 in reply to the Stars’ 4-163.
The paceman carved through Hobart’s lower-order with a brutal spell of pace bowling, skittling Tom Rogers, Nathan Ellis and Qais Ahmad after the scalps of Ben McDermott and Mac Wright started his onslaught.
His man-of-the-match performance will leave the Stars with a huge call should Steyn be ready to return from a side strain against Adelaide Strikers on Friday.
Haris Rauf finishes with 1⃣5⃣6⃣ #supercoachbbl points!
— SuperCoach BBL (@SuperCoachBBL) December 22, 2019
How are the Stars going to fit Dale Steyn in after that? pic.twitter.com/DJuHr0l5N4
“You can’t drop a guy who has got seven wickets, got the golden cap,” pace great Brett Lee said.
The Stars can only select two of their international trio and also have Nepalese leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane in their squad.
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Lee said he would unleash Steyn and Rauf, leaving Lamichhane on the sidelines.
Rauf had four wickets in three games for Tasmanian club Glenorchy when he was rushed into the Stars’ squad to replace Steyn, who he lists as his idol.
“He is a legend. I love Dale Steyn,” he said.
The quick took a wicket with his first ball in the BBL and was the leading wicket-taker in the tournament after spearheading the Stars demolition.
“It’s my dream to play Big Bash. Dream come true,” Rauf said on Channel 7.
“I am so excited to play Big Bash. Melbourne Stars (have given) me a chance.”
Dropped first ball of his innings, Marcus Stoinis finished unbeaten on 81 from 54 balls, while Nic Maddinson blazed 40 from 39 balls in an 81-run opening partnership.
The Hurricanes raced to 0-30 before skipper Glenn Maxwell started the carnage when D’Arcy Short pulled a short delivery to Dan Worrall at square leg.
Hobart lost 8-34 before a 34-run ninth-wicket stand between Clive Rose (32 not out) and Nathan Ellis (12) salvaged some respectability for their side.