Promising Afghans up for first big test vs India
OPENING GAMBIT Endurance exam for giantkillers in limited overs cricket
BANGALORE: When Afghanistan face India in their inaugural Test at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday, it will be the fruition of a remarkable sporting journey of a strife-torn nation.
A spark lit in the bleak environs of refugee camps in Pakistan have carried Afghanistan swiftly to a format still regarded as pinnacle of cricket.
Regardless of how they fare, the newcomers were the least likely of the associates who were expected to make it to the Test ranks, unlike Ireland, given Test status with them, who were knocking on the doors of ICC.
India, the No 1 Test side, will be without skipper Virat Kohli. However, the significance of the game is not lost on anyone. India has helped Afghanistan make the country their ‘home’, extending all facilities, away from the turmoil back home.
For Afghanistan, it will be a fresh test of fitness, endurance and patience, having made a mark in the limited-overs formats. If their game remains true to the spirit with which they have played white-ball cricket, they will be fearless and won’t be overawed by the occasion.
India will see the match as a way to ease into a fresh season. Led by Ajinkya Rahane, the hosts have rested Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah while Dinesh Karthik replaces an injured Wriddhiman Saha.
Rahane said the focus will be on their strengths.
“Over the last three days, the focus has been on tuning our minds, especially because we’re coming in after two months of IPL. Skill-wise it won’t make a difference, but our attitude matters, if you have to make a quick switch in terms of mindset from T20 to Test cricket. We won’t take them lightly.”
Afghans have proved they are no pushovers and will look to put up a fight. “Tomorrow is a big moment. After ODI and T20 status, we have achieved Test status,” Stanikzai said.
Rain disrupted Afghanistan nets on Wednesday and could have a say on the match.