Afghanistan bowler Naveed Zadran will miss next week’s Test match against New Zealand due to a side strain injury, the Afghan cricket board announced on Friday. The 19-year-old has been advised to rest for three to four weeks, aiming to recover in time for the One-Day International (ODI) series against South Africa later this month. Zadran has impressed with nine wickets in his first two Tests.
In addition, all-rounder Rashid Khan has also been sidelined due to a back injury.
Afghanistan, who are playing their home matches abroad, will face New Zealand in a one-off Test in Greater Noida, India, starting Monday. Following that, they will play a three-match ODI series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates, beginning on September 18.
In response to the injury concerns and their upcoming matches, New Zealand has bolstered their coaching staff. Former Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath and ex-India batting coach Vikram Rathour have been added to the team’s support staff for their series in Asia.
Herath joins as a spin-bowling coach, a role previously held by Saqlain Mushtaq, who has transitioned to a mentoring role in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s new domestic competitions. New Zealand’s upcoming itinerary includes the Test against Afghanistan and two further Tests against Sri Lanka in Galle. Following the Sri Lanka series, New Zealand will return to India to face the Indian team in three Tests.