(Cricket News) Wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz and leg spinner Khalil Gurbaz has been named in the Afghanistan’s squad for the one-off Test against Ireland. The test begins on February 28 in Abu Dhabi.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz might make his debut for the Afghanistan’s red-ball side. Khalil Gurbaz, on the other hand, also uncapped, has played only ten first-class matches so far. He has picked up 40 wickets in those ten games at an average of 28.52.
Another uncapped fast bowler Mohammad Ibrahim has also been recalled to the squad. He was a part of the Bangladesh tour last year. Bahir Shah has also found a spot in the side for the test, while injuries have forced Yamin Ahmadzai and Mohammad Salim out of the team.
“The team underwent a 10-day conditioning camp in Abu Dhabi, which featured 22 players and all the support staff to work with the players, and ensured full preparation for the series,” Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, ACB’s interim chief selector, said in a statement. “We have thoroughly monitored the proceedings and have picked the squad which includes several new faces who have excelled well during the recent domestic events.”
This will be Afghanistan’s second Test match against Ireland – they have beaten them in March 2019, which was also their first-ever Test win. Apart from this one-off Test, Afghanistan are also scheduled to play five more Tests this year.
Afghanistan squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmat Shah (vice-capt), Ikram Alikhail (wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Noor Ali Zadran, Abdul Malik, Bahir Shah, Nasir Jamal, Karim Janat, Khalil Gurbaz, Zahir Khan, Zia-Ur-Rehman, Nijat Masood, Ibrahim Abdulrahimzai, Naveed Zadran
