Afghanistan’s star spinner Rashid Khan has been confirmed to play Test cricket on the country’s tour of Zimbabwe. According to the chief executive of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, Naseeb Khan, the news emerged when the tour was announced, a development confirmed on Tuesday, October 29.
Rashid’s Journey Back To Test Cricket
Rashid’s last Test appearance was during Zimbabwe’s home series against Australia in March this year. He had then been solely playing white-ball formats, which included Twenty20 Internationals and One Day Internationals. He had been told by doctors recently that he should avoid playing the longer formats of cricket due to a back injury.
It is this reason that made him unavailable for Zimbabwe’s recently concluded Test series against New Zealand. It further said Rashid would not be available for Test cricket till November, which left the prospects of his participation in the Zimbabwe squad in limbo. Still, he would remain available for white-ball formats, a position expected to stay during Zimbabwe’s tour.
Naseeb Khan assured that there was confidence regarding Rashid’s availability for the Test series against Zimbabwe. “We are sure that Rashid will play for us in the Test series against Zimbabwe,“ Naseeb said. He said the ACB wanted to allow Rashid enough time after back surgery and ensure he fully fit before resuming Test duties. “Now he seems fine and fit to feature for us in Test cricket,” he added.
Test Stats Of Rashid Khan
Despite playing only five Tests, Rashid has impressed a lot by taking 34 wickets at an average of 22.35 and scoring 106 runs including one fifty.
Series Details For Incoming Series
Zimbabwe will begin hosting South Africa with three T20 Internationals on 9, 11, and 12 December at the Harare Sports Club. Following the T20Is, the teams will take part in a three-match ODI series from December 15, 17, and 19 at the same venue. The tour will conclude with a two-match Test series at Bulawayo, the first Test from December 26 to 30 and the second Test from January 2 to 6.
Rashid Khan is much in demand and the fans would look forward to seeing the super spinner in the longest format.
