Exclusive: Gurbaz and Omarzai Ready For Test Cricket, Believes Raees Ahmadzai

Raees Ahmadzai, Afghanistan’s esteemed cricket coach, believes that Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai deserve to feature regularly in Test cricket.

Both players have been in excellent form in 2024, particularly in the 50-over format.

HOW THEY CEMENTED THEIR PLACE IN WHITE-BALL CRICKET

This year, Gurbaz has been batting in sublime fashion in ODIs, scoring three centuries and two half-centuries in 11 innings, averaging 48.27.

Omarzai, who initially gained recognition as a right-arm medium-pace bowler, has consistently made significant contributions with the bat in the middle order. Over the past year, he has scored 412 runs in 11 innings at an impressive average of 58.85 and a strike rate of 108.42. His adaptability in the middle order has been remarkable.

Despite making his T20I debut in 2019 and ODI debut in 2021, Gurbaz only earned his maiden Test cap this year against Ireland. Omarzai, however, is yet to make his Test debut, although he began his ODI career in 2021 and was included in the T20I squad the following year.

Raees, who has closely followed the careers of both players since their early days, believes that the team management should now consider integrating them into the Test format, given their maturity and their ability to shoulder responsibility, as demonstrated in ODIs this year.

Since his international debut, Gurbaz has been regarded as a special talent, known for his audacious stroke play and willingness to take on bowlers regardless of their reputation. However, his temperament in ODIs was previously questioned, something he has successfully addressed in recent times.

Meanwhile, Omarzai has emerged as Afghanistan’s most improved batsman in recent years and is steadily establishing himself as a genuine all-rounder.

Raees recently told SportsBoom that the development of these two players is also a testament to the capabilities of local coaches, who have played a significant role in preparing them for the pressures of international cricket.

“The positive thing about both Gurbaz and Omarzai is that they are local products, and the local coaches here in Afghanistan have done a great job with them,” Raees told SportsBoom.com. 

“These two players deserve to play all three formats for Afghanistan,” he added.

THE DUO SHOWED CHARACTER IN THEIR EARLY DAYS

Raees highlighted that Gurbaz has always been a brave cricketer, a trait evident from the start of his career. The key difference now, he said, is the maturity Gurbaz has developed.

“Gurbaz is one of the bravest players I have ever seen from Afghanistan. From his Under-16 days, he was fearless,” Raees recalled. “I was the head coach when I selected him for the ‘A’ team’s tour of Zimbabwe. He was the kind of player who never questioned his batting position or worried about pitch conditions. He would simply say, ‘Give me the chance to bat; my job is to bat.’”

“But now, he looks much more mature. His shot selection has improved, and he is performing well in various leagues. As an opener for the national side, his sense of responsibility has been commendable. With eight centuries to his name, he has already broken records set by star players early in his career. He is a tremendous asset for Afghanistan, and I believe he will break many more records. He is fully fit and thrives on challenges,” Raees added.

Speaking about Omarzai, Raees said the all-rounder’s talent was evident during an Under-19 match against New Zealand on their home turf.

“Azmat was naturally gifted from the start. I remember his innings against New Zealand in New Zealand, where his shot selection showcased his batting ability,” said Raees.

“In the recent World Cup in India, he took responsibility whenever given the chance, whether with the bat or ball. He also bowled brilliantly against Bangladesh in the last series. He is an excellent fielder, and we are fortunate to have young players like him who are ready to take responsibility. This is a positive sign for the future of Afghanistan cricket,” Raees concluded.