Shakib Al Hasan Backs Afghanistan to do Well in Test Cricket

Bangladesh national cricket team skipper, Shakib Al Hasan has thrown support behind debutant Afghanistan to do well in the Test cricket when they square off against India in their first-ever Test match.

Meanwhile, the Afghans will start their campaign on June 14 at Bengaluru against Virat Kohli and his men.  Moreover, Afghanistan earned the Test status last year in June alongside Ireland.

They have come to India with a strong squad and will look to do well against a star-studded Indian line-up.

However, prior to that, the players from war-torn country will play a three-match Twenty20 Internationals against Bangladesh.

Dehradun will host all the games starting on June 3 followed by June 5 and 7 respectively. Afghanistan skipper Asghar Stanikzai wants to do well in the shortest former — to go in the Test with the winning momentum.

Afghanistan’s strength is their spin bowling, led by the sensational Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The duo did a significant job in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL). They will look to use that experience against the host.

Shakib backs Afghanistan to do well in Test:

Shakib admitted that they have a come long way in the recent past and deserved the Test status.

The star all-rounder also added that they have some quality players in their ranks who has the ability to stun any team.

“They have come a long way, especially in the last few years. They have world class players in the squad and they deserve the Test status,” Hasan said on the eve of the first T20I.

Speaking of the kind of exposure regarding Afghanistan team, Shakib Al Hasan reiterated as long as they play big teams, they will get the required exposure.

“As long as they play the top teams regularly irrespective of the format. That should give them enough exposure,” he concluded.

Also read: Steven Smith among marquee players in inaugural Canada T20 draft