Afghanistan’s star spinner Rashid Khan is set to return to Test cricket after more than three years. He has been named in Afghanistan’s squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Zimbabwe. Rashid last played a Test match in March 2021, also against Zimbabwe, in Abu Dhabi. His return marks a significant boost for Afghanistan’s red-ball cricket after he had taken a break due to a groin injury.
The 17-member squad features seven uncapped players, including all-rounder Ismat Alam, left-arm spinner Zahir Shehzad, and left-arm pacer Bashir Ahmad Afghan. These players have earned their call-ups following strong domestic performances, particularly in the Ahmad Shah Abdali first-class tournament. Additionally, Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Ahmad, Riaz Hassan, and Sediqullah Atal, who are yet to debut in Tests, are also part of the squad. Omarzai, Fareed, and Riaz were in the squad for the washed-out Test against New Zealand earlier this year.
ACB interim chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil emphasized the squad’s readiness, highlighting recent preparations in Nangarhar province. “Rashid Khan’s return is a promising sign for our red-ball game,” Sulimankhil said.
Head coach Jonathan Trott, who oversaw the ODI series against Zimbabwe, will miss the Test series due to personal reasons. Hamid Hassan will serve as the stand-in head coach, with Nawroz Mangal as the assistant coach. Hashmatullah Shahidi will continue as captain, supported by vice-captain Rahmat Shah.
The series will take place in Bulawayo, with the two matches scheduled between December 26 and January 6.
Afghanistan Test Squad:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmat Shah (vice-capt), Ikram Alikhail (wk), Afsar Zazai (wk), Riaz Hassan, Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Bahir Shah, Ismat Alam, Azmatullah Omarzai, Zahir Khan, Zia Ur Rehman, Zahir Shehzad, Rashid Khan, Yamin Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad, Naveed Zadran, Fareed Ahmad.
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