‘We are just as ambitious as Bangladesh’

Since receiving Test status in 2017, Afghanistan have only played just six Tests in the last six years, winning three, including a 224-run win against Bangladesh in Chattogram in 2019. Interestingly, the one-off Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur from today will be Hashmatullah Shahidi and Co.'s first Test in over two years.

Faced with the challenges that come from not playing a Test match since facing Zimbabwe in 2021, head coach Jonathan Trott looked at Bangladesh as an example of how to approach the early days in the longest format.

"I think we are just as ambitious as Bangladesh when they started playing Tests. You see Bangladesh now going on to beat other teams at home. I think it's important to have that ambition. I think it is what drives the game. All Test cricketers will tell you that they like playing Test cricket. They will say it is their favourite format because of the challenges and tests. Individually as well. It is an exciting thing, something that I am looking forward to seeing tomorrow [today]," Trott said yesterday.

In the absence of star cricketer Rashid Khan, at least six Afghan cricketers are waiting to make their Test debut. The 52-year-old Englishman admitted that the Tigers would have the advantage on their home turf.

"I think any team playing at home will have a bit of an advantage. Certainly a team that has played more Tests by a long stretch will also have a bit of an advantage. It doesn't mean they will play better than us tomorrow. We prepared really well. I feel the players have trained exceptionally well. They are excited to play a Test in Bangladesh. Whatever has happened in the past, whoever is the favourite and whatever the conditions, it is all about what happens tomorrow and who does it the best. It is my job to make sure everyone is ready," he said.