AFG vs NZ, 1st Test: Wet outfield delays toss
The one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand, scheduled to start at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground on September 9, has been delayed. The cause of this delay is a wet outfield at the stadium in Greater Noida. However, it's a sunny day and the fans would wan to witness the start of play. Notably, this game marks the first red-ball meeting between these two sides.
Rashid Khan to miss the Test
In player news, star Afghan all-rounder Rashid Khan will not be participating in the one-off Test against New Zealand due to a back injury. He sustained this injury while playing in Afghanistan's domestic T20 tournament, the Shpageeza Cricket League for Speen Ghar Tigers, earlier in July. Meanwhile, New Zealand has arrived in India with five spin-bowling options: Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips.
Shahidi expresses desire for consistent venue in India
Ahead of the match, Afghan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi expressed his team's desire to have a consistent venue in India. He stated that other nations have played more cricket than Afghanistan on Indian soil. "So hopefully we will get one good venue here in India, and we stick with that. If we stick with one venue, it will be more effective for us," he added during a pre-match press conference.
Afghanistan's spin options for the upcoming Test
Meanwhile, Afghanistan have several spinners to consider including Zahir Khan, Qais Ahmed, Zia-ur-Rehman and Shams Ur Rahman. Among these players, Zahir is the most experienced with 11 wickets in five Tests. Qais and Zia have both played two games each, taking three and six wickets respectively. Shams is an uncapped player who has been added to the squad for this match.
Shahidi calls for more Test cricket opportunities
Shahidi emphasized the need for more opportunities to play Test cricket, to further hone their skills. He expressed his belief that his team has the potential to compete with top-tier teams globally. "If you look at Test cricket, we are new in this format -- we need more experience," Shahidi told reporters at the Greater Noida ground.
