Afghanistan’s Test and ODI captain Hashmatullah Shahidi said that they can consider having separate teams for Test and white-ball formats as that will allow them to prepare better for the Test as well. Afghanistan are currently in Noida preparing for the one-off Test against New Zealand, slated to be played from September 9-13. However, Afghanistan will play against New Zealand on the back of three successive Test losses – against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Ireland.

“Transitioning from white-ball to red-ball cricket is indeed a challenge, especially as the formats demand different skill sets. Test cricket is more about patience, temperament, and building pressure over long periods, which can be quite different from the fast-paced nature of white-ball cricket,” Hashmatullah told Cricbuzz.

“Our coaching staff has been working hard on helping the players adjust their mindset and techniques to suit the demands of Test cricket. We’ve also been focusing on longer practice sessions to help players settle into the rhythm of the longer format. Our preparation has been thorough, focusing on both individual skills and team strategies. We’ve spent considerable time working on the specific demands of Test cricket, from conditioning to mental toughness,” again said Shahidi.

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“Having a separate squad for Test and white-ball formats could indeed make it easier to specialise and prepare for specific assignments. It allows players to focus entirely on the format they are selected for, helping them to fine-tune their game accordingly. This is something we might consider in the future as we continue to evolve as a Test-playing nation,” he further added.

However, Hashmatullah Shahidi also said that playing in Noida gives them confidence as the conditions are known to them more than the New Zealand. But he is aware of the quality of the opposition squad as well. Meanwhile, he also said that the biggest challenge for them will be to match their opponents as far as experience is concerned as well.

“Playing in Noida does give us some familiarity with the conditions, which can be advantageous. We understand the pitch behaviour and weather patterns, which might help our bowlers and batsmen to adapt more quickly. However, New Zealand is a top-class side that can adjust to conditions anywhere, so while it may offer us a slight edge, we still need to perform at our best,” he said.

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“The biggest challenge for Afghanistan in the upcoming Test against New Zealand will be the experience gap. New Zealand is a seasoned team with a wealth of experience in Test cricket, whereas Afghanistan is stepping into this format against them for the first time. However, our team has been making remarkable progress, and the world has witnessed our growth and current performance. We’ll focus on playing our natural game and giving our best effort against the Kiwis,” he said.

“Rashid’s absence is definitely a significant loss for us, given his experience and skill, especially in spinning conditions. However, it also opens up opportunities for other players to step up and showcase their talent. This could be a turning point for some of our young or less experienced bowlers to make a mark on the international stage. We believe in our squad’s depth, and we’re confident that the players chosen to replace Rashid will give their best,” Hashmatullah Shahidi concluded.