Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has tested positive for Covid-19, rendering him doubtful to make his Test debut against Australia in the opening match of the three-game series, starting in Rawalpindi on March 4. Rauf is currently placed under isolation.

Rauf was tipped to make his Test debut since the national selectors had only kept three pacers in the Pakistan squad for the first match, including Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Wasim junior, who is also yet to play a Test for Pakistan.

“Haris has tested positive and has gone into isolation and with the Test just three days away it seems highly unlikely he will be available for the first Test starting March 4,” a team official said.

With Rauf a doubtful starter, indications are that the team management might call up young fast bowler Naseem Shah, who is among the two travelling reserves with the squad. Wicketkeeper batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed is the other reserve.

Rauf helped Lahore Qalandars win the PSL final on Sunday evening, which is why he joined the squad on Monday. He arrived with Afridi, Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan, who all took part in the final.

Fawad Ahmed, the Australian leg spinner, who was part of the Qalandars squad and is due to work with Australia as their spin consultant, was also part of the flight.

Pakistan’s preparations for a historic Test — the first Australia will play in Pakistan since 1998 — have already been hit by the injuries to Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf. Ordinarily, Rauf would be battling it out with Wasim Jr for a spot in the XI.

The touring Australian squad had its first practice session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday amid extremely tight security measures with roads surrounding the ground closed for public.

A full house is expected on Day I of the first Test after the government on Tuesday allowed 100 per cent capacity for the three Tests to be held in Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore.