The preliminary team for the one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand, which begins in Greater Noida on September 9, does not include Rashid Khan, the country’s poster child. His back surgery last year kept him out of action for several months, and the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has recognised the necessity of limiting his workload. According to sources, he won’t be playing in the red-ball format anytime soon.
The player won’t play in Test cricket for at least six months to a year, according to the source, and his workload will rise over time. Except for Afghanistan’s away series against South Africa the following month, the 25-year-old will be available for the game’s other two formats.
“Rashid was supposed to progressively increase his workload following surgery. The plan also included not playing the extended format for the ensuing six months to a year. He would have to continue bowling from one end during tests, and his back isn’t prepared for that kind of pressure. He ought to be fit for the ODI series against South Africa that begins next month, India Today said, citing the source.
Notably, in his five Test matches played thus far, Rashid has taken 34 wickets at an average of 22.35. Since the surface is predicted to benefit the spinners, Qais Ahmad is probably going to play a bigger role in his absence. For the one-time red-ball match, their white-ball spinner Noor Ahmad has also not been selected.
In the recently finished The Hundred, Rashid also had a hamstring injury. He took nine wickets in the five games he played for the Trent Rockets. Following that, the spin magician joined the Speen Ghar Tigers of the Shpageeza Cricket League, where he amassed six wickets in three games in addition to scoring fifty runs.
Also Read: With a recurring back ailment, Rashid Khan will miss the one-off Test match against New Zealand
He will now be on leave and reunite with the team for the white-ball series against South Africa, which is scheduled to start on September 18.
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