Lack of Tests make Afghans underdog against host Bangladesh
Afghanistan team during practice session ahead of one-off Test against Bangladesh, Cricfrenzy
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Jonathon Trott, who is ready to experience a Test match with Afghanistan as head coach, said that the Afghans need to play more Tests to develop their own brand of cricket.
Afghanistan are not part of the ICC Test Championship as in the Future Tour Programs (FTP) their 2023 Test journey ends with a two-match series against Zimbabwe while in 2024 and 2025 they are scheduled to play seven and three Tests respectively.
Since receiving Test status in 2018, Afghanistan have played six matches, their last Test was against Zimbabwe in March 2021.
"I think there's an ambition to play Test matches, being a Test nation. But I think it is also important that every Test match we go into, we try to win as well. We haven't played for a while. Bangladesh have played quite a lot of Tests recently. I think it is always good to develop the players' mindset of being ambitious and playing Tests, along with all the other formats. Being competitive in red-ball cricket just as much in white-ball cricket," Trott said ahead of the one-off Test against Bangladesh.
When the former English opener was asked whether they could adopt England’s ‘Bazball’ tactics, considering that Afghans are known to play an aggressive brand of cricket, Trott answered that only time could tell what kind of brand they wanted to play in Test format.
"I think it is up to the players to play the normal game. As a head coach, you also need to be realistic with regards to the players that you have. The type of intent that you want to have as a side. The style of play depends on the type of players. You can't be able to adjust do both - attack at times and defend at times. Some teams prefer to attack most times. It all depends on the players you have at your disposal. You have to find the right balance, what suits you as a side. I also think that the more Tests you play, the more you realise your best way of playing,"
"England play a lot of Tests. This is our first Test in 27 months. So you have to be realistic with regards to how the guys are going to play the type or brand of cricket. That develops itself. It can't be forced. Hopefully we will see Afghanistan play more Tests," Trott added.
Trott said that they are expecting tough competition without their prime player Rashid Khan from Bangladesh and also added that they are confident to surprise the hosts like they did in 2019 when they handed Bangladesh 224-run defeat at Chattogram.
"It is very difficult to replace a guy like Rashid. He has vast experience in playing all around the world in different competitions, and different variations of the game. He has played Test cricket. So yes, that's obviously missed. But I think him having time off, obviously there's a lot of cricket coming up. Asia Cup and World Cup is coming up,"
"I think any team playing at home will have a bit of advantage. I think certainly that a team has played more Tests by a long stretch will also have a bit of advantage. It doesn't mean tomorrow they will play better than us. We prepared really well. I feel the players have trained exceptionally well. They are excited to play a Test in Bangladesh." Trott added.
