KABUL: Afghanistan bowler Naveed Zadran will miss next week’s Test mat­ch against New Zealand with a side strain injury, the Afghan cricket board said on Friday.

The 19-year-old, who has taken nine wickets in his two Tests, has been told to rest for three to four weeks in the hope of recovering before this month’s One-day International series against South Africa, the board posted on X.

All-rounder Rashid Khan has also been ruled out with a back injury.

Afghanistan, who play their home matches outside the country, will host New Zealand in a one-off Test in India from Monday, before playing three ODIs against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates starting Sept. 18.

New Zealand, meanwhile, have added former Sri Lanka spinner Ran­gana Herath and India’s ex-batting coach Vikram Rathour to their coaching staff on Friday for their upcoming three Test matches in Asia, including two against Sri Lanka.

After playing Afghani­stan in Greater Noida, near Delhi, they will fly out to the island country for the Tests in Galle.

Herath was roped as spin-bowling coach Saqlain Mushtaq left to take over a mentor’s role in new domestic competitions introduced by the Pakistan Cricket Board this season.

After the series in Sri Lanka, New Zealand will return to India to play three Tests against Rohit Sharma and his men.

Published in Dawn, September 7th, 2024