Rashid Khan returns to Test cricket after a significant break, featuring in Afghanistan’s squad for the upcoming two-match series against Zimbabwe. The 18-player lineup includes seven uncapped cricketers as Afghanistan seeks to enhance their Test profile. The series is set to take place in Bulawayo, beginning December 26.
Rashid Khan, the prominent leg-spinner for Afghanistan, is set to make his return to Test cricket after a hiatus since March 2021. On Monday, the Afghanistan Cricket Board published the squad for an upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe, to be held in Bulawayo starting December 26. This series marks Rashid’s first engagement in red-ball cricket against the same Zimbabwean team he last faced in Abu Dhabi. With only five Test caps in his professional career, where he has claimed 34 wickets at an average of 22.35, Rashid’s experience will be vital for the team.
The Afghanistan squad, announced by interim chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, comprises seven uncapped players, including top-order batter Sediqullah Atal, fast bowling all-rounder Ismat Alam, and left-arm spinner Zahir Shehzad, who will be aspiring to earn their first Test caps on African soil. Sulimankhil expressed excitement about Rashid’s return, remarking, “Rashid Khan returns to the Test squad, which is a promising sign for our red-ball game going forward,” asserting confidence in the team’s earlier preparations in Nangarhar province involving 19 players and their support staff.
The announcement of the squad also emphasizes the inclusion of several new players who have shown potential in recent domestic competitions. The series is scheduled to take place in Bulawayo, with the first Test running from December 26-30 and the second Test from January 2-6.
The Afghanistan cricket team is preparing for an important Test series against Zimbabwe, which provides an opportunity for established players and fresh talent to showcase their abilities. Rashid Khan, an integral part of Afghanistan’s cricketing success in the white-ball format, has not played Test cricket for nearly two years, hence, his return is noteworthy as Afghanistan aims for a robust performance in this series. With several untested players in the team, this series will also serve as a critical assessment of their capabilities on the international stage.
Rashid Khan’s return to the Afghanistan Test squad highlights a pivotal moment as the team gears up for their series against Zimbabwe. The combination of seasoned players and new talent promises to strengthen Afghanistan’s prospects on foreign soil. With adequate preparation and strategic insights, Afghanistan aims to make a significant impression in the upcoming matches, which could define the future of their red-ball cricket endeavors.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com
