Afghanistan has announced its Test squad for the series against Zimbabwe, marking the return of star spinner Rashid Khan after almost four years. The squad includes seven uncapped players as they prepare for matches commencing on December 26 in Bulawayo, under the guidance of interim chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, who is optimistic about the team’s prospects.
Afghanistan has announced its Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Zimbabwe, marked by the significant return of star spinner Rashid Khan. This will be Rashid’s first Test appearance since March 2021, where he last featured against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi. The 26-year-old, who has played just five Tests and claimed 34 wickets, is included in an 18-member squad for the matches scheduled to begin on December 26 in Bulawayo.
Alongside Rashid, the squad includes seven uncapped players, such as top-order batsman Sediqullah Atal, all-rounder Ismat Alam, and left-arm spinner Zahir Shehzad, all aiming to secure their debut Test caps in Africa. Afghanistan’s interim chief selector, Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, expressed enthusiasm over Rashid’s return, highlighting that the team has undergone extensive preparations leading into the series.
Underlining the organization’s focus on strengthening their Test capabilities, Sulimankhil stated, “Rashid Khan returns to the Test squad, which is a promising sign for our red ball game going forward.” The squad was finalized after diligent monitoring and selection processes, which recognized the performances of emerging talents during the recent Ahmad Shah Abdali FC Tournament.
The Test series promises to be an important step for Afghanistan as they continue to establish their presence in the longer format of the game. The first Test will take place from December 26-30, followed by the second Test from January 2-6, both in Bulawayo.
The full 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. Reserves include Nasir Jamal, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, and Ibrahim Abdulrahimzai.
The article discusses the Afghanistan cricket team’s preparations and assembled squad for a Test series against Zimbabwe. The inclusion of Rashid Khan, a prominent spinner known for his exceptional performances in white-ball cricket, signifies a strategic reinforcement as Afghanistan seeks to enhance its standing in Test cricket. The mention of several uncapped players reflects an ongoing effort to invest in new talent, ensuring depth in the squad as they navigate the challenges of international cricket in the longer format.
In summary, the return of Rashid Khan to Afghanistan’s Test squad is a pivotal development as the team gears up for its series against Zimbabwe. With extensive preparation and several fresh faces, Afghanistan aims to make a notable impact in these matches. The outcomes of the upcoming Tests will provide significant insights into the growth and potential of Afghan cricket on the international stage.
Original Source: www.icc-cricket.com
