Agencies
It’s been more than a year since both Afghanistan and Zimbabwe played a Test match, and while it might be difficult for them to hit the straps straightaway, both teams will be happy to be playing the five-day format as both teams face each other in first of two-match Test series in Dubai on Tuesday.
While Zimbabwe have only played five Tests since 2018, Afghanistan, who made their Test debut in 2018, have only featured in four five-day matches. It’s also the first time that Afghanistan are playing more than one Test in a series and they'll be hoping make good use of this opportunity to showcase their skills and present a case for their Test future.
“Our biggest challenge in Test cricket is to bat for hundred overs,” said Afghanistan head coach Lance Klusener in a chat with Cricbuzz.
Afghanistan have managed that twice - a total of 314 against Ireland that set up their maiden Test win in 2019 and a 342 against Bangladesh in the same year that helped them secure a mammoth 224-run victory.
Zimbabwe, who have been winless in their last four Tests, are missing several of their key players for this series. Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine failed to make the cut due to illness, leaving the middle order short of experience while Sean Williams has the additional responsibility of captaincy. Donald Tiripano, Victor Nyauchi, Sikandar Raza and Williams will be the key members in the bowling department, which looks a lot more settled than Zimbabwe’s batting, despite the unavailability of TendaiChatara and ChamuChibhabha.