Afghanistan coach urges batters to ‘take responsibility’ and give Rashid Khan some help

Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott has heaped praise on the talismanic Rashid Khan and urged more of the front-line batters to step up and support him.

Trott’s comments came after a brilliant 48* from just 23 balls almost saw Khan stun Australia in the teams’ final Super 12 game, with Afghanistan falling just four runs short.

The all-rounder came in at number eight after his side had allowed the momentum of a strong start to slip away.

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But his knock, which included four maximums, was indicative of a supreme professional, according to Trott.

“He’s been great throughout the tournament. The sort of fall that he had at the end of the last game – I remember speaking to him and he said, there’s no chance I’m missing this game; I’m playing 100 percent.

“That’s the type of character he is. That’s the type of character we want on a side, certainly the sides that I’ve coached, and I love to have them.

“Not only obviously he’s very talented, very skillful, but his attitude and his work ethic is second to none and a great example to all players around the world, not only the Afghan boys. Credit to him and he deserves everything he gets.”

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Trott was asked whether Khan was slated too low in the order, a point with which he agreed, hinting at a promotion in future matches.

“I think so. I also think that there are other batsmen in the side who need to take responsibility for their innings and with the responsibility that they’re charged with.”

The former England batter, who was appointed as head coach of the Afghanistan team back in July, wouldn’t name names, but reiterated his point.

“That’s all I’d say on that. There are times that players need to stand up and accept the pressure that comes with playing international cricket. And you need to perform better.”

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Afghanistan’s campaign was hampered by rain, which saw two of their matches washed out. But Trott was pleased to see his team involved in a game that showcased their undoubted potential, albeit leaving tinges of regret over what might have been.

“I think it’s a good game to watch for the neutral. And I think it showed the skill and the talent of the players we have got, but also sometimes the awareness, situational awareness that we lack in parts. And I think we saw it against Sri Lanka and we’ve seen it again tonight.

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“I think you always come away from a T20 game, you always want a little more,” Trott added. “It’s the type of game it ebbs and flows, the momentum of the game. That’s what you had tonight.

“And the more often we can get those things going in our favour, we certainly have the capability to do so. And the more consistent we’ll become as a side. That’s how I feel. And going forward that’s hopefully the approach and something we can conquer.”

Afghanistan will travel to Sri Lanka now that their tournament has come to an end, with a three-match ODI series scheduled to begin on 25 November.

THIS IS THE BIG TIME!

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is coming to Australia from 16 October to 13 November 2022.