We’re not nervous: Stanikzai

BANGALORE: On the eve of their maiden Test, Afghanistan skipper Asghar Stanikzai faced a full media house at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, but there was absolutely no sign of stage fright.

“Nervous? I am hearing it for the first time. We’re well prepared,” he said. To an extent, the confidence comes from the two formats (ODI, T20) his side has played successfully and the assuredness the team has shown. Coach Phil Simmons also believes his wards are ready.

“Preparation has been good. We only had four players that crossed over. We still had 12-13 players training with red ball. Fortunately, the three fast bowlers were not in the T20 squad and they have been concentrating on Test preparation. The senior spinner Rashid Khan, I am sure, will be able to adjust well,” Simmons said.

The match has war-torn Afghanistan cued in. The skipper described the mood positive and supportive. “It is itself history that we are playing the inaugural and historical Test match against the No 1 team in the world. The mood back home is that they are very positive and supportive and looking forward for a very good performance. We will try to give good performance in the Test as well,” he said.

The entire Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) brass is here and many top government officials are also slated to be present. ACB CEO Abdullah Abdullah has carried with him a message from President Ashraf Ghani, who could attend the match if it extends to the fourth or final day.