Pakistan-born Glenorchy cricketer Haris Rauf make a stunning BBL debut for the Melbourne Stars

It took just one ball for Glenorchy cricketer Haris Rauf to make a name for himself in the Big Bash, justifying his call-up by the Melbourne Stars.

A GLENORCHY cricketer wasted no time making a name for himself on the Big Bash League stage following a late call-up to play with the Melbourne Stars.

With his very first ball on debut in the BBL on Friday night, paceman Haris Rauf had Brisbane Heat batsman Max Bryant caught behind, celebrating the special moment in style with his new teammates.

Haris Rauf celebrates the wicket of Heat batsman Max Bryant. Picture: AAP/Dave Hunt

The Pakistan-born 24-year-old, who plays for Glenorchy Cricket Club, was called in to replace injured South African spearhead Dale Steyn.

Rauf finished the match on the Gold Coast with the excellent figures of 2-20 from four overs. Rauf’s spell helped the Stars beat the Brisbane Heat by 22 runs.

Haris Rauf ahead of his call up to play in the BBL for the Melbourne Stars.

Last week Rauf he impressive figures of 4-12 in a Twenty20 match against Clarence, where he bowled out Hurricanes opener D’Arcy Short.

His top speed is believed to be 148km/h and in the hope of cracking 150km/h the paceman wears the number 150 on his boots. It’s understood he has requested to wear the same number on the back of his BBL playing shirt.

The pace ace, who represents the Lahore Qalanders in the T20 Pakistan Super League, said he wanted to make that team proud with his BBL call-up.

“I am excited to be with Melbourne and playing BBL,” he said. “It’s great that the Lahore Qalanders have given me the opportunity to play and represent them in Australia.”

Haris Rauf wears the number 150 on his playing shoes as he strives to bowl at 150km/h.

Glenorchy Cricket Club director Simon Stebbings said, given his “explosive, X-factor talent”, it was little wonder the Stars selected him.

“Haris played in the Pakistan BBL equivalent league last year and exploded onto that, performing really well,” Mr Stebbings said.

He said Rauf, who was mentored by former Pakistan champion bowler Waqar Younis, was “the closest thing to Younis” he had seen. He said Rauf’s BBL call-up would be the Stars’ gain and the Hobart Hurricanes’ pain.

“He was supposed to be training with the Hurricanes and there were conversations had, but

Hobart was just a little bit late and the Stars were a bit keener,” he said.

Haris Rauf had been in talks with the Hurricanes, but the Stars “were a bit keener”.

Mr Stebbings said Rauf’s rise from Glenorchy to the Stars sent a strong message to all inspiring cricketers.

“It shows that if you perform well in grade cricket, you literally are one step away from a professional contract,” he said.

“It’s a great story for a guy from the backblocks of Pakistan’s Rawalpindi to next being a cricketer on the world stage.”

Haris Rauf with Glenorchy Cricket Club teammates ahead of his call-up to the Big Bash League for the Melbourne Stars