Afghanistan keep door open for Rashid's Test return

Rashid Khan, who’s appeared in just six Tests so far in his career, compared to over 245 appearances across the white-ball formats, has been unavailable for Test cricket in recent times due to concerns surrounding his back injury and workload management. 

While the leg-spinner continues to be a key figure in Afghanistan's white-ball setup, his participation in the longer format remains dependent on his recovery and fitness.

Speaking ahead of Afghanistan's two-match Test series against Zimbabwe, skipper Rahmat Shah revealed that the team's medical staff have advised against rushing Rashid back into Test cricket.

“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.

“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 added.

Rahmat also highlighted the physical demands of Test cricket, explaining that managing Rashid's workload would be particularly important given his history of back issues.

“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," Rahmat noted.

“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.

Despite the current uncertainty, the Afghanistan Test skipper reiterated that Rashid remains in their plans for the longest format.

“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,” Rahmat said.

Afghanistan head into the Zimbabwe series after a hard-fought draw against Bangladesh in their previous Test outing last month, after a resilient effort on the final day of proceedings.

The first Test against Zimbabwe begins on 5 November in Sharjah, with the second match scheduled to start on 13 November at the same venue.

Series schedule:

1st Test - November 5 to 9, Sharjah

2nd Test - November 13 to 17, Sharjah