Rashid not included in Afghanistan's preliminary squad for NZ Test due to back injury

Rashid Khan wasn’t included in Afghanistan's preliminary 20-member squad for the one-off Test against New Zealand in Noida, starting on September 9, because of a back injury. 

ESPNcricinfo reported that the legspinner sustained the injury while playing for Speen Ghar Tigers in the Shpageeza Cricket League.

Rashid played three games for the Tigers on consecutive days, picking up six wickets at an average of 9.33 and an economy rate of 5.09. 

He also slammed a 26-ball 53 in the third game against Amo Sharks and that’s when he 'experienced pain' in his back. Rashid hasn’t played any cricket since then.

The leg-spinner was ruled out for four months after the 2023 ODI World Cup because of a back injury and only made his return in March this year. 

Rashid has played five Tests, claiming 34 wickets at an impressive average of 22.35. The 25-year-old, however, hasn’t played any red-ball cricket since March 2021.

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