Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan will return to the test squad for a two-match series against Zimbabwe, marking his first test appearance since March 2021 due to injury. The squad includes seven uncapped players, highlighting the team’s focus on building for the future. Chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil noted that Rashid’s return is promising for Afghan red-ball cricket.
Afghanistan’s premier spinner, Rashid Khan, is set to rejoin the national test squad for a two-match series against Zimbabwe scheduled to commence later this month. This marks Rashid’s return to the format after last participating in March 2021, where he played his fifth test against Zimbabwe before taking a hiatus due to a persistent groin injury. Despite his absence from the test arena, Rashid has excelled in white-ball formats, contributing significantly to Afghanistan’s progress to the semi-finals of the recent T20 World Cup and preparing for their Champions Trophy debut next year. Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, Afghanistan’s chief selector, remarked positively on Rashid’s inclusion, stating that it bodes well for the country’s red-ball cricket ambitions. The squad for the upcoming series will also feature seven uncapped players, whose strong domestic performances have earned them selection, emphasizing the future strength of the Afghan team.
The inclusion of Rashid Khan in Afghanistan’s test squad signifies a crucial moment for the nation’s cricketing landscape, especially considering his stature as a leading spin bowler. Rashid has made considerable contributions in limited-overs formats, but his return to test cricket will be of great importance as Afghanistan aims to establish a competitive presence in the longer format. The team is also focusing on nurturing new talent, as indicated by the selection of several uncapped players for the Zimbabwe series. This reflects the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s commitment to building a robust team structure that blends experience and fresh talent.
In summary, Rashid Khan’s return to the test squad represents a significant enhancement for Afghanistan’s red-ball cricket prospects. Alongside seven uncapped players, Rashid’s presence is anticipated to provide both leadership and expertise that could positively influence the team’s performance in Zimbabwe. The Afghanistan national team aims to establish its presence in test cricket, with both experienced and new players set to contribute to this ambitious endeavor.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
