Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
History. And what beautiful history will be made at Bengaluru on Thursday.
In what is a rare occurrence in Test cricket, the result here doesn’t matter. There is something much more significant. Afghanistan make their Test debut against India, and what an amazing achievement it is.
Afghanistan‘s journey to this stage is what makes this occasion super special. Ten years ago, they were competing in ICC’s World Cricket League Division Five tournament, where they beat Jersey in the final. It was their first ICC event outside Asia. Ten years into the future, their goal may have been to secure ODI status and compete well at that level. That turned out to be too easy a goal for amazing Afghanistan. Just ten years later, they are now here, on the Test stage.
Their spin attack certainly has the talent to test India throughout this Test. However, the challenge is maintaining it over long periods of time, as some of their most talented cricketers have mastered the T20 format. Afghanistan have dominated at Associate level in the longer format, but this is a new challenge altogether. They have passed obstacle after obstacle throughout their cricketing journey, and if you believe they will seldom find success at Test level, they’ll prove you wrong.
For India, this is the beginning of a huge season. It’s easy to get caught up in the occasion of Afghanistan’s first Test, or even look forward to England, so the challenge for the world’s no.1 Test team is to remained focused on the job.
In saying that, in a time where Australia refused to host Bangladesh, hosting Afghanistan for their first ever Test is brilliant. What a great, historic occasion it promises.
Key to an India win
There will be no Virat Kohli to lead India this time, but Ajinkya Rahane will put his stamp on things, in somewhat contrasting fashion to Kohli. India’s line up is still full of class players, and if they are ruthless in keeping Afghanistan out in the field working hard for their wickets, it will go a long to sapping the energy out of the Afghans.
Also, India’s attack impressed in South Africa. Sure, conditions will be very different here but they can build on the confidence of knowing they can put together a well-rounded bowling performance. Their best here will be too good for their debut opponents.
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| Cheteshwar Pujara will be keen to get in the runs after a tough 2018 so far |
Key to an Afghanistan win
Afghanistan possess a very unique spin attack; one that focuses on speed through the air rather than flight. It’s what makes them so difficult to face in limited overs cricket. However, in the Test format, will they be able to make adjustments according to the conditions and situation? Batsmen won’t be as eager to score runs in Test cricket as opposed to T20 cricket, so the key is patient, strategic bowling.
Surely their best chance is causing headaches to India’s batting line up.
Also, Test cricket is about sometimes giving an hour or two to the opposition when they are bowling well. Can Afghanistan display some of the patience required to compete at this level? This will also be key.
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| Afghanistan enter this Test on the back of a 3-0 T20I series win v Bangladesh |
Possible teams
Stats and Facts:
- The last time an Asian team played their first Test (Bangladesh in 2000), India were also the opponents.
- No team has ever won their first Test since Australia in 1877 v England (this was the first ever Test).
- Ajinkya Rahane captained India to a 4th Test win against Australia last year to take the series 2-1. This will be his second Test as captain.
- Rashid Khan has taken 35 wickets in four First Class matches at 15.
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman is set to become the first Test cricketer to be born in the 21st century.
