Rashid Khan Returns As Afghanistan Announce Test Squad vs Zimbabwe

Rashid Khan has been recalled into the test setup after 3 years for the 2-match test rubber against Zimbabwe. The star leg spinner had played his last test against the very same side in 2021. Rashid had excused himself from this format due to a protracted groin injury.

The test squad will be led by ODI skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, a squad that features as many as 7 uncapped players in the squad. All-rounder Ismat Alam & fast bowler Bashir Ahmad have earned maiden call-ups into the test squad for their good performances in the domestic circuit.

The squad also includes an uncapped quartet of Fareed Ahmad Malik, Azmatullah Omarzai, Sediqullah Atal & Riaz Hasan, who were earlier picked for a one-off test against New Zealand in Greater Noida. A test match that never got going due to heavy rains & poor drainage facilities at the venue.

ACB's Chief Selector on Rashid Khan

"Rashid Khan's return to the test squad is a promising sign for our test team, ACB Chief Selector Ahmad Shah Suliman Khil said in a statement". The rest of the 19 players had their training sessions in the Nangarhar district along with the support staff to look after the preparations.

"we have properly looked after the things & have rewarded young guys like Ismat Alam, and Bashir Ahmad, who were rewarded for their brilliant performances in the Ahmad Shah Abdali tournament."

Hamid Hasan has been named as the deputy coach for the two test rubber as Head Coach Jonathan Trott misses out due to personal reasons. Bulawayo is all set to host both matches, The first test begins on boxing day.

Afghanistan 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, and Fareed Ahmad Malik