Star leg-spinner Rashid Khan is set to make his return to red-ball cricket after nearly three years as Afghanistan announced their squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. The 26-year-old, who last played a Test in March 2021 against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi, headlines the 18-player squad for the series starting December 26.
Rashid, a veteran of over 200 white-ball games for Afghanistan, has only featured in five Test matches in his career, taking 34 wickets at an impressive average of 22.35. His inclusion marks a significant boost for Afghanistan’s red-ball plans as they aim to strengthen their position in the longest format of the game.
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The squad also features seven uncapped players, showcasing Afghanistan’s focus on building a robust Test lineup. Among the newcomers are top-order batter Sediqullah Atal, fast bowling all-rounder Ismat Alam, and left-arm spinner Zahir Shehzad, all of whom are vying for their maiden Test caps in the African series.
Afghanistan’s interim chief selector, Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, expressed his excitement about Rashid’s return and highlighted the team’s thorough preparations ahead of the series.
“Rashid Khan returns to the Test squad, which is a promising sign for our red-ball game going forward,” Sulimankhil said, as quoted by the ICC.
He also emphasized the performances of the new additions during the Ahmad Shah Abdali FC Tournament, which played a crucial role in their selection. “We have thoroughly monitored the proceedings and have picked the squad, which includes several new faces like Ismat Alam, Bashir Ahmad, and Zahir Shehzad, who have performed well during the recent tournament,” he added.
The Test series against Zimbabwe is a vital opportunity for Afghanistan to further establish themselves in the red-ball format. With a mix of experienced players like Rashid and promising new talent, the squad appears well-prepared to deliver a strong performance.
The first Test of the two-match series begins on December 26 in Bulawayo, as Afghanistan looks to make a mark in the longest format of the game.
- First Test: December 26-30, Bulawayo.
- Second Test: January 2-6, Bulawayo.
Afghanistan Test squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah (vc), Ikram Alikhail (wk), Afsar Zazai (wk), 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, Fareed Ahmad Malik.
Reserves: Nasir Jamal, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Ibrahim Abdulrahimzai.
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