Rashid Khan will return to Test cricket for Afghanistan after a two-year hiatus as the Afghanistan Cricket Board announces the squad for the Test series against Zimbabwe. The series features seven uncapped players and is set to begin on December 26, with the squad reflecting a blend of experience and youth.
Afghanistan’s esteemed leg-spinner Rashid Khan is poised to make his Test return for the first time since March 2021, as the Afghanistan Cricket Board has announced the squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Rashid has not participated in red-ball cricket since facing Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi over two years ago. At 26 years old, he is eager to contribute to his team’s performance as they embark on the series commencing on December 26. Despite an impressive track record of over 200 matches in white-ball formats, Rashid has only played five Tests, claiming 34 wickets at an average of 22.35.
The squad announcement showcases a blend of experience and youth, with seven uncapped players included. Among these emerging talents are top-order batter Sediqullah Atal, versatile all-rounder Ismat Alam, and left-arm spinner Zahir Shehzad, all anticipated to make their Test debuts in this historic series in Africa. Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, the interim chief selector for Afghanistan, expressed his delight at Rashid’s inclusion, emphasizing the promising future of red-ball cricket for the nation. He highlighted the team’s recent preparations, which involved extensive training camps and performance monitoring, ensuring they are well-equipped for the challenge ahead.
The series commences with the first Test scheduled from December 26-30, followed by the second Test from January 2-6, both taking place in Bulawayo. The Afghanistan Test squad comprises: Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Rahmat Shah (vice-captain), Ikram Alikhail (wicket-keeper), Afsar Zazai (wicket-keeper), Riaz Hassan, Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Baheer Shah Mahboob, Ismat Alam, Azmatullah Omarzai, Zahir Khan, Zia Ur Rehman Akbar, Zahir Shehzad, Rashid Khan, Yamin Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad Afghan, Naveed Zadran, and Fareed Ahmad Malik, with reserves including Nasir Jamal, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, and Ibrahim Abdulrahimzai.
The announcement of Rashid Khan’s inclusion in the Afghanistan Test squad for the series against Zimbabwe marks an important milestone for the cricketer and the national team. Rashid Khan has been a dominant figure in Afghanistan’s cricket landscape, particularly in white-ball formats. However, his absence from Test cricket since March 2021 has raised questions about the development of Afghanistan’s red-ball cricket capabilities. With the inclusion of several uncapped players, this series represents a critical opportunity for both seasoned and emerging cricketers to showcase their skills on an international platform. The team’s preparations in Nangarhar province reflect their commitment to enhancing their performance in the longer format of the game.
Rashid Khan’s return to Test cricket is a significant development for Afghanistan as they approach their two-match series against Zimbabwe. The combination of experienced players and exciting new talent augurs well for the team’s prospects in this Test series. With thorough preparations and the backing of their chief selector, the Afghanistan team is well-positioned to make a strong impact on the international stage.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com
