Afghanistan vs West Indies, 1st Test, Lucknow: Preview, likely XIs, prediction

Given where these teams are in their evolution in Tests, this should be a no-contest. However, when Afghanistan and West Indies clash in the one-off Test in Lucknow starting on Wednesday, November 27, nobody’s sure what will happen.

Afghanistan exceeded highest expectations when they came off the better against Bangladesh in their last Test outing, beating them to make it two wins in just their third ever Test. It was their first Test under the captaincy of Rashid Khan, and they looked every bit made for the format as they made their more experienced opponents pay.

Will we see more of that against West Indies? For starters, West Indies have been inconsistent, to say the least, in the format. They began the year happily beating England at home, but then completely collapsed against India, again at home, in August.

Of course, Afghanistan aren’t anywhere near the standards of India in the format, but the point is West Indies aren’t sure which of their sides will surface, and that’ll work towards Afghanistan’s advantage.

Their four-day tournament warm-up match ended in a draw. Amir Hamza’s form would have impressed Afghanistan – he took 4/34 – while West Indies will be thrilled with Jomel Warrican, who took a five-wicket haul. There were half-centuries from a fair few batsmen on both sides as well, and if the warm-up is anything to go by, the teams are fairly evenly matched.

However, the Test should proceed differently. It’ll be interesting to see how much so.

Head to head

This is the first Test encounter between Afghanistan and West Indies.

Key players

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): The Afghanistan captain is their figurehead. He is no longer the only player in the side capable of making a difference, but he is revered, and if he does well, the whole team gets a lift. If he has a good game, on helpful Indian pitches, West Indies might be in trouble.

Sunil Ambris (West Indies): The big question facing any overseas teams in Asia is how their batsmen will fare against the spin. In the warm-up, Ambris showed how, striking at 95.65 while scoring a 69 in the second innings. More of that will be needed.

Likely XIs

Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran, Javed Ahmadi, Ihsanullah Janat, Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan, Nasir Jamal, Afsar Zazai (wk), Rashid Khan (c), Amir Hamza, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zia Ur Rehman

West Indies: John Campbell, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shamarh Brooks, Shai Hope (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Rahkeem Cornwall, Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, Jomel Warrican

Prediction

It’s tempting to go with Afghanistan in this clash, but West Indies’ experience will hold them in good stead.