Afghan skipper exudes confidence & excitement

KABUL’s best side, says Asghar Stanikzai.

“Are we nervous? Not at all because … we are excited and the people back home are excited that we are playing the number one ranked side in our first Test,” he said in an interview.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Stanikzai also talked about the domestic structure in Afghanistan. The skipper said players were coming through different grades.

Afghan coach Phil Simmons also referred to the abundance of a young talent pool available in the war-wrecked country.

“The core of this Test team has been practicing with the red ball. We are prepared. Our batsmen have faced different bowlers - spinners and pacers both - and that is the best preparation. So we are confident of a good showing," the coach added.

PAN Monitor/mud