WI wary of Afghan spin attack
Afghanistan’s Test journey may only be three matches old, but they’ve already secured two wins, including a big one against Bangladesh in their most recent game, and their spinners pose a very real threat to West Indies when the teams meet in a one-off Test in the northern Indian city beginning Wednesday.
Both teams are familiar with the conditions in Lucknow.
Karim Janat, a 21-year-old all-rounder who played a vital role in the Twenty20 series with 5-11 in the second game with his seam bowling, has received his first Test call-up. Another young fast bowler, Nijat Masood, is also among the 15-member squad in which left-arm spinner Hamza Hotak is making a comeback after two years.
West Indies captain Jason Holder said his side is wary of the spin-friendly slow wicket in Lucknow.
“Afghanistan will be no pushovers, especially in these conditions which they are familiar with,” Holder said. “It will be up to our batsmen to negotiate their spinners and do it well. I believe we have the quality to do that.”
West Indies has depth in its batting lineup to challenge the spin threat of Rashid and company with the likes of Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and Roston Chase.
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