Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner, has been ruled out of the upcoming one-off Test against New Zealand due to a back injury. The injury occurred while Khan was playing for Speen Ghar Tigers in the Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL), Afghanistan’s domestic T20 tournament.
Khan played three consecutive matches in the SCL from August 18, taking six wickets at an impressive average of 9.33 and an economy rate of 5.09. However, during his third game, he experienced pain in his back and was forced to miss SGT’s next match two days later.
This is not the first time Khan has suffered a back injury. He underwent surgery after the World Cup in India last year, which sidelined him for four months. He also suffered a hamstring strain while representing Trent Rockets at the Hundred a week before his recent back trouble.
Afghanistan have begun training in Noida for the Test against New Zealand, which will be the first time the two teams have faced each other in the format. The match will also be the first Test to be played at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground.
After the Test against New Zealand, Afghanistan will fly to Sharjah to play a three-match ODI series against South Africa from September 18.
