Afghans set for a historic first
Debutants will want to prove a point in maiden Test against topranked India
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 for a nation torn by strife.
A spark lit in the bleak environs of refugee camps in Pakistan has in spinners Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman in particular found the torch-bearers who have carried Afghanistan swiftly to a format that is still regarded as the pinnacle of cricket.
The match can be described as the experience of India versus Afghanistan’s youthful exuberance. 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 for some time.
India will be without skipper Virat Kohli, who will undergo a fitness test on Friday. However, the significance of the game is not lost on anyone. India has helped Afghanistan make the country their ‘home’, extending all facilities to let their players grow away from the turmoil back home.
For Afghanistan, it’ll 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, unrelenting and won’t be overawed by the occasion.
India will see the match as a way to ease into the fresh season. Led by Ajinkya Rahane, the hosts have rested Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah while keeper Wriddhiman Saha is injured and Mohammed Shami unfit. The priority will be preparing for a long England tour. The match, thus, provides a chance for KL Rahul, Dinesh Karthik, R Ashwin and Ishant Sharma to put forth their case forward. With almost all India players coming out of IPL, skipper Ajinkya Rahane said maintaining focus will be the strength for his side.
India had optional practice on Wednesday with spinners and pacers staying away. Rain disrupted Afghanistan nets and could have a say on the match. Afghanistan will be the 12th nation and 13th team to play Tests