Rashid Khan Returns to Afghanistan Test Squad After 2021 for Zimbabwe Series

Rashid Khan, an exceptionally wonderful spinner from Afghanistan, is finally going to play in a Test match after more than three years, the last time he played was in March 2021 in Abu Dhabi, and it was against Zimbabwe. Rashid got a spot on the team for the next two-Test series happening in Zimbabwe, because of a groin injury doctors told him to sit out for a bit.

The team is bringing in seven players who haven't played a Test match yet. Among these players, Ismat Alam is known for his all-round abilities. Zahir Shehzad who's got skills with left-arm spin, and Bashir Ahmad a left-arm fast bowler with good pace. They secured their spots because of their amazing performances in their recent cricket games.

Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Ahmad, Riaz Hassan, and Sediqullah Atal are also preparing carefully for their first time in a Test. Omarzai, Fareed, and Riaz had a chance to be on the team for the only Test match against New Zealand not too long ago, but rain spoiled everything, and the game was canceled.

Rashid’s Journey Back to Red-Ball Cricket

"Rashid Khan's return to the Test squad is a big boost for our red-ball cricket," said Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, ACB's interim chief selector. "The rest oftheteam has been training well in Nangarhar province, where we held an intensive camp with 19 playersandthe entire support staff to prepare for the series. We've carefully selected this squad, including talented newcomers like Ismat Alam, Bashir Ahmad, and Zahir Shehzad, who performed exceptionally in the Ahmad Shah Abdali first-class tournament."

Nasir Jamal, Zia Ur Rehman, and Mohammad Ibrahim have been named as reserve players for the Zimbabwe series.

Hamid Hassan Steps In as Head coach

Because of some personal issues, Jonathan Trott the head coach of Afghanistan's team, won't be around for the test series. Stepping up to fill his shoes, Hamid Hassan will be the new head coach. Also, Nawroz Mangal will be assisting as the assistant coach. Hashmatullah Shahidi is not leaving his captaincy, he's staying on as the captain of the team, with Rahmat Shah right next to him to help him as the vice-captain.

The upcoming two Tests will be held in Bulawayo, from December 26 to January 6.

Afghanistan's Squad for Test Series against Zimbabwe:

H. Shahidi (C), R. Shah (VC), A. Omarzai, I. Alikhail (WK), Y. Ahmadzai, B. Ahmad, A. Zazai (WK), R. Hassan,Z. Khan, Z. Ur Rehman, Z. Shehzad, R. Khan, S. Atal, A. Malik, B. Shah, I. Alam, N. Zadran, F. Ahmad

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