Can’t connect right now! The Test might be of massive significance to Afghanistan, being their first and all, but to India this is more of a chance to give their Test regulars a chance to get some game-time before leaving for the much-hyped series in England. The team is having a solid line-up with players like KL Rahul, Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Dinesh Karthik who could take over any bowling attack.
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“Ashwin, Jadeja, and Kuldeep are all experienced and quality spinners”. Asghar Stanikzai, who will head out for the toss of the coin with him, had stirred the pot a few days ago by suggesting that his team had the more accomplished spinners. All guys have first-class experience.
“They’re able to produce big players even in a tournament like the IPL (Indian Premier League).They have some key players who are producing some big performances for them”.
Afghanistan displayed their stomach for a fight in their maiden test by claiming five wickets in the final session to leave India on 347 for six after the opening day of the one-off contest on Thursday.
Resuming the second session at 158/0, India lost the lone wicket of centurion Shikhar Dhawan (107 off 96) when the Delhi opener found a thick edge off Yamin Ahmadzai’d delivery which landed at the first slip. Vijay didn’t anticipate the dip inwards when he shouldered arms to Wafadar and was rapped on the front leg and a review couldn’t overturn the umpire’s on-field decision.
Rahane, who is standing in as captain for Kohli, said his side will have to fight for victory.
It is not often that Rahane shows as much intensity, but the responsibility of captaincy in a Test match of such magnitude, he’s bound to want a win at any cost. The core of this test team has been practicing with the red ball. The Indian establishment is investing in Afghan cricket as it believes the game can act as a unifying force in a country otherwise torn apart by politics of ethnicity. “Today is that historic day”.
Afghanistan will become only the 12th test nation when they face India, the world’s top-ranked side. “May sports continue to bring our people closer and strengthen ties”.
Afghan cricket grew out of the refugee camps in Pakistan where many families were based after they fled the Afghan conflict in the 1980s and 1990s.
Conditions in India are unlikely to surprise them, though: the team have been training in the country since 2015 because of poor security at home.
Led by Asghar Stanikzai, Afghanistan became the 12th test playing nation after being awarded the full member status alongside Ireland in June previous year.
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Since gaining one day worldwide status in 2009, the Afghans have made giant strides and qualified for their second 50-over World Cup in England and Wales next year.
