CHATTOGRAM, September 3, 2019 (BSS) – Afghanistan interim head coach Andy Moles termed his team as underdog, stating that they would play pressure-free cricket when they take on Bangladesh in lone Test match, starting on Thursday at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury (ZACS) in Chattogram.
”We need to be more consistent, we have played two Test matches, it is the third Test match. We need to bat for long time; we need to bowl better, when we come to bowl in the first or second spells.
“ We need to make sure at the field that our concentration level is higher, you know in this form of game you have to work very hard, but there is no excuse from me,” Moles told the reporters in Chattogram on Tuesday.
”Certainly, if we don’t play well then it could be a learning curve and we must get better in all aspect and we need to play more Test match cricket. We are respecting Bangladesh team as they play wonderful cricket at home from long time and we are coming here as very much as underdog. We are looking forward to take challenge.
“We are under no illusion that’s it gonna be easy. If we can show up in the occasion and concentrate and do the right thing and right time then we will be capable to do something special,” he said.
He added that he is well aware that the host will come up with spin attack but they ready to take the challenge.
”I’m not here to talk about Bangladesh. I’m here to talk about what we can control. We can control how they bat, bowl and field. I can get my players under the captaincy of Rashid to apply them in a manner which get the best out of them. Being consistent is our challenge. We have got skillful players as well,” said Moles
”I’m not surprised. I have seen the results of yours in last few games. It’s home advantage. I would be surprised if they did not come with spin. We also have good spin attack,” he said.
As they also possess good spin attack, Afghanistan won’t give up the hopes of winning the match and Moles said if they manage to win it will be massive for Afghan cricket.
”It [if we win] will be massive. We can play well because the guys have put that effort. We are not scared of Bangladesh, but we respect them. We know how we have to play. Hopefully the players apply themselves according to the plans in dressing room and team meetings,” he remarked.