This is Afghanistan’s first Test in 27 months, have to be realistic about our approach: Trott

Ahead of Afghanistan’s first Test in 27 months, head coach Jonathan Trott explained that things can get difficult against Bangladesh as his team doesn’t have ample experience playing red-ball cricket. The former England international also added that Bangladesh have played a lot of Test cricket in the recent past and that will give the Litton Das-led side much-needed confidence before taking on Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, as per Future Tour Programmes, Afghanistan is slated to play two more Test matches later in the year against Zimbabwe. In 2024 and 2025, they are scheduled to play seven and three Test matches respectively but Trott wants more matches as it will help the team management groom the players accordingly. 

On the other hand, since they haven't played Test cricket for quite some time now, Trott is unsure about their approach at the moment. Notably, he expects his players to play their natural game and also show intent in the middle.

It all depends on the players you have at your disposal: Trott

Furthermore, Jonathan Trott backed his players to express themselves naturally and go with the flow. Moreover, he also emphasized balancing out defence and attack in the game. However, Trott believes that as Afghanistan gain more experience in Tests, they will find a suitable approach to playing red-ball cricket.

“I think it is up to the players to play the normal game. As a head coach, you also need to be realistic with regard to the players that you have. The type of intent that you want to have as a side. The style of play depends on the type of players. You can't be able to adjust to both - attack at times and defend at times. Some teams prefer to attack most times. It all depends on the players you have at your disposal. You have to find the right balance, what suits you as a side. I also think that the more Tests you play, the more you realise your best way of playing,” Trott told reporters on Tuesday.

“England play a lot of Tests. This is our first Test in 27 months. So you have to be realistic with regard to how the guys are going to play the type or brand of cricket. That develops itself. It can't be forced. Hopefully, we will see Afghanistan play more Tests,” he added.