We have better spinners than India, says Afghanistan skipper Stanikzai

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We have better spinners than India, says Afghanistan skipper Stanikzai
Afghanistan skipper Asghar Stanikzai attends a practice session ahead of their maiden Test against India.

Bengaluru - Indian batsman Karun Nair does not agree with the rival captain

By AFP

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Published: Tue 12 Jun 2018, 9:26 PM

Last updated: Tue 12 Jun 2018, 11:40 PM

Shaken by the horrors of war, Afghanistan will take a mighty step in cricket history when captain Asghar Stanikzai leads his team out for their first ever Test match against India on Thursday.
Conflict has scarred virtually every member of the team and they are impoverished compared with their opponents, the world's wealthiest cricket nation.
But Stanikzai said they are determined to show their rise to a Test nation less than two decades after being recognised by the International Cricket Council in 2001 is merited.
"It's a great moment for us as we embark on our Test journey," said Stanikzai, who has been a member of the Afghanistan side since they gained one-day international status in 2009.
"To be competing against the best on the Test rankings table is something to be proud of and we will try to do our best in whatever chances we get and exhibit the skills the players possess individually as well as collectively as a team."
"In my opinion we have better spinners than India," Stanikzai told Indian media, highlighting the likes of Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, Rahmat Shah and Zahir Khan.
Indian batsman Karun Nair, famed for his triple century in his third Test against England in 2016, cast doubt on Stanikzai's claim of spin superiority.
"I think that's a pretty big statement to make considering they haven't played Test cricket," Nair told reporters.
"All of our spinners are proven wicket-takers so there is nothing much to say on that."
The Indian team will be led by Ajinkya Rahane in the absence of regular captain Virat Kohli, who is resting, and are overwhelming favourites.
But the Afghans can give heavyweights India a tough time if they follow the footsteps of the other team to make their Test debut this year: last month, Ireland made Pakistan sweat before eventually losing their first-ever Test. 
 


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