Rashid Khan is developing ‘mystery’ variation but to use it only in Tests

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan, who is also his side’s best bowler, is reportedly developing a new ‘mystery’ variation but batsmen around the world might not feel too worried since the man has planned to execute it only in the long format. Afghanistan is one of the low-ranked teams in Tests who have played only four Tests since their debut against India in June 2018.

The 21-year-old leg-spinner confirmed that he is working on the new delivery but is unlikely to bowl it in the T20Is which offers a very little scope of error. The bowler, who just finished playing in the Big Bash League in Australia, will move on to play in the Indian Premier League which kicks off in March end. Rashid, who led his country to its only Test victory till date (against Bangladesh last September), is hopeful that he would master the delivery by the time Afghanistan play a Test match in Australia later this year.

“I’m trying my best in the nets and the practice sessions to bring something new, but never bring them in the (T20) game because everything is going well there,” Rashid was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

“But I’m looking forward to bowling those deliveries more in the Test games. That gives me an extra opportunity because you’re bowling many more overs and there’s not so much pressure on. If I bowl a bad ball there, it doesn’t matter as much as it does in the T20 game.”

Rashid Khan is looking for more control on new variation before using it in T20s

Rashid hoped that he would have more control over his new variation by the time Afghanistan tour Australia and then he would be able to use it in the T20s as well. He eyed more consistency with his line and length and read the game — the wicket, ground, how to bowl and where to bowl.

Rashid, who has 240 international wickets and is the quickest to reach 100 wickets in the ODIs, is looking forward to the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year, besides playing his country’s maiden Test match Down Under. He conceded that playing in Australia is tough but also added that it would be a great learning experience for them.