Pat Brown's injury paves the way for Haris Rauf's comeback

Young England seamer Pat Brown has suffered a lower back stress fracture ruling him out of the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) season and the subsequent limited-overs series against South Africa. The 21-year-old paceman’s struggles with such an injury is not new since he rendered unfit last year in similar circumstances.

Brown was supposed to replace Dale Steyn for Melbourne Star’s BBL campaign and his absence in the franchise’s lineup might pave the way for Rauf to return in the teams playing 11. Rauf, who made an instant impact after making his BBL debut, boasts a tally of 10 wickets across three games in the tournament.

The Lahore Qalandar’s pace bowling sensation sporadic appearances in the league came following injury setbacks to Steyn and Sandeep Lamichhane. With Brown now out of the competition, he is likely to once again fill in the role of the replacement player.