Rashid Khan is set to return to Test cricket with Afghanistan for a two-match series against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, starting December 26. It will be his first Test appearance since March 2021. The squad includes seven uncapped players and reflects a strategic evolution by the Afghanistan Cricket Board to enhance their Test form. Chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil has expressed confidence in the team following extensive training preparations.
Rashid Khan, the prominent leg-spinner for Afghanistan, is returning to Test cricket after an absence since March 2021. The Afghanistan Cricket Board has announced his inclusion in the 18-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe to be held in Bulawayo, beginning December 26. At 26 years old, Rashid has only played five Test matches, accumulating 34 wickets with an impressive average of 22.35, despite his extensive experience in over 200 white-ball formats.
This Test series marks a significant opportunity for Rashid and seven uncapped players, including top-order batsman Sediqullah Atal and fast-bowling all-rounder Ismat Alam, who will vie for their inaugural Test caps in Africa. Interim chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil expressed excitement for Rashid’s return, indicating the team’s readiness following a comprehensive training camp in Nangarhar Province that included 19 players and essential support staff.
“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,” emphasized Ahmad Shah, as reported by the ICC. The selected squad reflects a commitment to evolving the team with notable new talents who have emerged from recent domestic competitions.
The match schedule is as follows:
First Test: December 26-30, Bulawayo.
Second Test: January 2-6, Bulawayo.
The confirmed Afghanistan Test squad includes Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Rahmat Shah (vice-captain), and Rashid Khan, among others, with reserves being Nasir Jamal, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, and Ibrahim Abdulrahimzai.
The inclusion of Rashid Khan in the Afghanistan Test cricket squad is notable due to his lengthy absence from the longer format of the game. His last Test appearance was against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi in March 2021, underlining a significant gap during which he has focused mainly on limited-overs cricket. His return signifies both a personal milestone and a strategic advantage for Afghanistan as they seek to bolster their Test cricket status, particularly against a competitive Zimbabwean side notable for its own growth and development in international cricket. The team’s preparations included a training camp designed to integrate fresh talent and optimize performance in the upcoming series. Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil’s remarks reflect the optimism surrounding the team’s progress and adherence to thorough preparatory measures, enhancing their prospects in the Test arena.
In conclusion, Rashid Khan’s return to the Test format represents a crucial development for the Afghanistan cricket team, especially as they prepare for a two-match series against Zimbabwe. His experience, combined with new talents coming into the squad, sets the stage for a promising performance. The series is anticipated to showcase the progress of Afghanistan cricket and further establish their presence in international Test matches.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com
