'As soon as he's 100 per cent fit' - Rahmat remains optimistic of Rashid's Test future
Rahmat Shah maintained the team can't risk losing Rashid in white-ball cricket, and his workload continues to be managed
Afghanistan Test skipper Rahmat Shah said leg-spinner Rashid Khan might not be currently ready for Test cricket due to workload concerns, but as soon as he is fully fit, he will "obviously be part of the Test squad".
Rashid's red-ball future has been a matter of discussion in world cricket, since he has not been able to take part in the format of late due to his back injury.
An integral part of the country's white-ball setup, Rashid was seen enjoying the recent one-off Test between Afghanistan and Bangladesh in the UAE from the boundary ropes.
While many feel that the chances of the legendary spinner returning to the Test setup are slim, Rahmat showed optimism when speaking on the topic on Wednesday (November 4).
“Talking about Rashid, it has been recommended by the team medical staff and physio trainers that he should not be playing Test games at the moment because he is still not ready,” Rahmat said ahead of the Test series against Zimbabwe.
“We cannot risk losing Rashid for white-ball cricket: he is such an important player. I am praying he gets better soon, and he loves Test cricket. However, if his body is not allowing it and based on the reports from the doctors and medical team we wouldn't take a risk,” he said.
“He's our main spinner and if he gets in the team, definitely when there's a long partnership, I will ask him to come and bowl regularly a lot. It will be load on him (in Tests) because in short formats, in T20, it's only three-hour game and a bowler will ball only four overs. But in Tests, there is a lot of workload and as per Rashid physio, he has to manage his workload due to his back injury in the past,” he said.
“I’ve had personal discussions with him and the ACB and as soon as he gets ready and 100 per cent fit, he will obviously be part of the Test squad,” he said.
Rahmat added that if they become part of the ICC Test Championship it will certainly help them grow as a Test nation considering they don’t get enough chances to play Tests against big teams.
“If we get more games and become part of the Test Championship it will give us the opportunity to play against top teams around the world and gain more experience,” he said.
“With more games we will get better. We are not getting enough Tests mainly due to not being part of the ICC Test Championship matches and that is the main factor,” he said.
Rahmat added that they are taking confidence from their drawn Test against Bangladesh as they prepare to take on Zimbabwe in the two-match Test series. Chasing 479, Afghanistan managed a hard-fought draw, which Rahmat had termed was "equal to a win".
“If you look at our last game against Bangladesh, that gives us more confidence. The momentum we were carrying from there gives us a lot to work on and focus on things we can do even better. So, taking that with us, we will try to do our best and end up winning this game as well,” said Rahmat.
The opening Test against Zimbabwe is scheduled to begin from November 5 in Sharjah, while the second Test is slated to be held at the same venue from November 13.
