Big picture
Afghanistan and Zimbabwe have nearly five days to plan for the second Test after the opener in Abu Dhabi finished within two days.
Zimbabwe are on the verge of winning a series, and not just a one-off victory, for the first time since they beat Bangladesh in 2004. For Afghanistan, who have so far not appeared in Tests on their own, there is a chance to prove they’re or pushovers.
The bankruptcy has given them good news as well. Leashspinning fringe player Rashid Khan has recovered from the finger injury he suffered in the PSL and is expected to return to the XI. There is the biggest challenge in Zimbabwe.
They struggled against the left arm spin of Amir Hamza, who took the top six for 75 in the first test. Rashid, who takes the ball away from the right people, raises more questions. Zimbabwe needs to get used to the speed at which it bowls, which is a shadow faster than traditional spinners, and be familiar with the ripping googlies.
Considering that two main bats Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine are missing, Zimbabwe have made a great deal of themselves in difficult situations. They will want to use the second Test as an opportunity to further strengthen their roles.
Afghanistan, too, must focus on batting if they are to put up a fight to save the series. Their lack of knowledge in long form cricket was evident in the first Test and they will want to show more demand.
While there is no shame in games ending in less than five days – look no further than the two – day and three – day events in India and England – both in Afghanistan and Zimbabwe willing to showcase their credentials in going as far as this series will be decided.
Form instructions
(last five completed games, most recent first)
Afghanistan LLWW
Zimbabwe WLDLL
In mind
Ibrahim Zadran far away the best bat in Afghanistan in the first test. He stood out for his ability to leave the ball in the opening stages of the innings. He got 40% of Afghanistan’s total run to bring his test average above 42. He needs support from the other end, but early indications are that his technical game and temperature are going well for some time. future trial of Afghanistan.
Expected first discussion Wesley Madhevere in the first Test it turned out that duck was the first ball after being out lbw to Hamza. Without DRS, Madhevere could not challenge the decision even though it looked like the impact could have been off-line. There were no second innings for Madhevere to make the first idea better and he hopes to spend more time in the middle in his second game.
Team news
Rashid Khan should go straight back into the XI while Afghanistan could look to add to their fast bowling stocks if conditions are similar to the first Test. Lezalhaq Farooqi or Sayed Shirzad left-wing weapons can be considered.
Afghanistan (able): 1 Ibrahim Zadran, 2 Abdul Malik, 3 Rahmat Shah, 4 Munir Ahmad 5 Hashmatullah Shahidi 6 Afsar Zazai (wk) 7 Afghan Asghar (capt), 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Amir Hamza, 10 Yamin Ahmadzai, 11 Zahir Khan / Fazalhaq Farooqi
After the leadership performance in the first Test, Zimbabwe has little reason to make changes. They may consider turning one of their sailors out for a specialist spinner if needed, with Wellington Masakadza’s left arm spinner or footballer Brandon Mavuta opting.
Zimbabwe (able): 1 Prince Masvaure, 2 Kevin Kasuza, 3 Tarisai Musakanda, 4 Sean Williams (capt), 5 Wesley Madhevere, 6 Sikandar Raza, 7 Ryan Burl, 8 Regis Chakabva (wk), 9 Donald Tiripano, 10 Blessing Muzarabani, 11 Victor Nyauchi
Park and conditions
The surface of Abu Dhabi was very friendly to a sailor in the first Test with a green grass cover and a good kick, but he took an early foot as well. Sean Williams said it was “a carpet on one side and a rainbow on the other.” Blessing Muzarabani’s views on the second strip Test that it has less grass but still expects good bribe. It heats up in the Emirates with temperatures entering the 30s and Fridays becoming a scorcher at 36 degrees.
Stats and trivia
Zimbabwe have only won four away trials, one in Pakistan, two in Bangladesh in separate leagues, and the previous one in Abu Dhabi.
This is the first Test series in the UAE that does not feature Pakistan, which has played home tests in the Middle East since 2010.
Quotes
“There is no pressure. We did well in the first game and we are looking forward to the second one. This is the most important game because we have to want the series. We have to Be patient, it won’t be easy like the last one. We really hope to win the series. It will give us confidence. “
Zimbabwean tidy Blessing of Muzarabani on history run
Firdose Moonda is an ESPNcricinfo journalist in South Africa