Rashid Khan will return to Afghanistan’s Test squad for the series against Zimbabwe, beginning December 26. This marks his first Test since March 2021. The squad includes seven uncapped players, highlighting the development of new talent. Interim chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil expressed confidence in the team’s preparations and potential.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has officially announced its squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe, with star leg-spinner Rashid Khan set to make his return to Test cricket. This will mark Rashid’s first appearance in the Test format since March 2021. The series is scheduled to begin on December 26 in Bulawayo. Throughout his career, Rashid has participated in only five Test matches, claiming 34 wickets at an impressive average of 22.35.
The inclusion of Rashid Khan is particularly notable as it highlights a diverse Afghanistan squad that includes seven uncapped players, such as top-order batsman Sediqullah Atal, fast-bowling all-rounder Ismat Alam, and left-arm spinner Zahir Shehzad, all of whom are striving to earn their first Test cap on African soil. Interim chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil expressed his optimism regarding Rashid’s return and the team’s preparations leading up to the series.
Ahmad Shah stated, “Rashid Khan returns to the Test squad, which is a promising sign for our red ball game going forward. The rest of the team underwent good preparations recently in Nangarhar province, which featured 19 players and all the support staff to work with the players and ensure full preparation for the series.” He also mentioned that careful monitoring led to the selection of several new talents, including Ismat Alam, Bashir Ahmad, and Zahir Shehzad, who excelled in the recent Ahmad Shah Abdali FC Tournament.
The schedule for the series includes the first Test from December 26 to 30, followed by the second Test from January 2 to 6, both taking place in Bulawayo. The complete Afghanistan Test squad is as follows: Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Rahmat Shah (vice-captain), Ikram Alikhail (wicketkeeper), Afsar Zazai (wicketkeeper), 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 Nasir Jamal, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, and Ibrahim Abdulrahimzai listed as reserves.
The announcement regarding Rashid Khan’s inclusion in the Afghanistan Test squad comes after a substantial absence from the format. Rashid last played Test cricket in March 2021, and his contributions to Afghanistan’s cricket have been primarily within the white-ball formats. His unique spinning skills and experience are expected to bolster the team’s competitiveness in Zimbabwe. The landscape of Afghanistan cricket is evolving, with a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents poised to make their mark.
In conclusion, Rashid Khan’s return to the Test arena is a significant highlight for Afghanistan as they prepare for their series against Zimbabwe. With a blend of experienced players and promising newcomers, the team aims to capitalize on this opportunity to enhance their standing in Test cricket. The upcoming matches will be an essential test for the squad as they journey into African conditions, seeking both performance and development.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com
