5 Afghanistan players to watch out for as they move towards Test cricket

#2 Mohammad Nabi

Nabi wears the whites proudly in a first class game versus the England Lions. Now he’ll wear them in tests.

Holding the team together with both bat and ball, Nabi rose into Afghanistan’s team as a result of Pakistan’s influence over Afghan cricket. His parents moved to Peshawar during the Soviet invasion, leading to a passion for cricket from a young age.

The 32-year-old was inducted into the side when they were in the WCL Division 5, and his game has risen along with the fortunes of the team. His ODI bowling and batting averages of 30 and 32, are world-class and are a sign of things to come at the highest level.

The rock in the middle order, his consistent performances with the bat have seen Afghanistan through various obstacles time and again as his experience of playing club and domestic cricket in England, Pakistan and Bangladesh contributing to his evolution into one of Afghanistan's all time bests.

He continues to be a mentor to young players, a role model to the youth in Afghanistan and an ambassador for the sport in his country. He played his maiden IPL season for the Sunrisers Hyderabad earlier this year, with decent results.