‘We are under no illusions’
Afghanistan has been an exciting unit in the limited-overs formats, with the best leg-spinner in the world Rashid Khan being a constant threat to any team in world cricket.
But it’s a totally different ball game when it comes to cricket’s most elite format, where Afghanistan would be desperate to prove their worth by adopting a style of play that requires a different attitude to their attacking style seen in the limited-overs formats.
Afghanistan are preparing to take part in their third ever Test match against the hosts from tomorrow in Chattogram, where yesterday a man was seen walking on crutches and running the practice. It was none other than interim Afghan head coach Andy Moles, who lost part of the skin in the ball of his foot while taking a walk in Abu Dhabi 10 days ago.
Moles, who has been involved with Afghanistan cricket for over five years at different age-levels and as an A team coach, seemed practical when it came to facing a rather more experienced team like Bangladesh, who have had success in home Tests over the last three years, winning their last two series against Zimbabwe and West Indies.
According to the 54-year-old, it will be important for his charges to apply themselves and focused on the word ‘concentration’, which will be the key for his side.
“I am not concerned about any areas. We need to be more consistent in all departments. We are only playing our third Test. We need to bat for longer. We need to bowl better in our second and third spells. We need to make sure our concentration levels are higher. This is a form of the game in which we are very much in the infancy. But no excuses from me. If we don’t play well, it will be a learning curve. We must get better in all aspects as we play more and more Test cricket.
“We have massive respect for the Bangladesh. They have played wonderful cricket at home for a long time and we have come here very much as the underdogs but we are looking for the challenge. Top sides have found it hard work playing in Bangladesh. We are under no illusion it’s going to be easy. But if we can concentrate and do the right things, we are capable of doing something quite special over the next five days,” he said.
Knowing that Bangladesh will have the home advantage as the curator at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium has prepared two pitches for the Test match to take place tomorrow, Moles informed that it would be a huge thing if Afghanistan could win the game.
“It will be a massive upturn in our fortune,” said Moles when asked how important it will be if they managed to win the Test. “But I don’t underestimate the strengths of Bangladesh; they are a level above us. If we can play well… I am not going to say we are going to play well as the boys needs to apply themselves. We are not scared of Bangladesh but we respect them and as coach I will sit back and look forward to applying ourselves,” said Moles.
