Moles quietly confident ahead of Afghanistan's Test date with Bangladesh

"We are under no illusion that it's going to be easy." © Getty

Afghanistan's interim coach Andy Moles has said on Tuesday that they are not putting any extra pressure on themselves ahead of their one-off Test against Bangladesh, saying that they will take it as a learning curve if they fail to deliver in the longer format.

Bangladesh will take on Afghanistan in the one-off Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong from Thursday (September 5). "I'm not concerned about any area. We need to play more consistently. We need to bat and bowl better. We need to make sure our concentration level is high while fielding. We are very much in need of efficiency." Moles told reporters on Tuesday.

"But, if we don't play well, it will be a learning curve. And we must get better in all aspects playing more Test cricket. We have enough respect for Bangladesh team. They play wonderful cricket at home. But we are looking forward to the challenge. We are under no illusion that it's going to be easy. But if we can do the right things at the right time, we can achieve something special after five days," he added.

Moles noted that the two-day practice game has added to their confidence. Though Afghanistan only drew the game, their spinners showed immense skill to dismiss the opponents for 123 runs after posting 289 for 9 with Rashid Khan picking 3-26 and uncapped chinaman bowler Zahir Khan grabbing 5-24, at MA Aziz Stadium on Monday. Afghanistan would also be quietly confident of their batting after their openers Ihsanullah and Ibrahim Zadran notched up patient half-centuries on the opening day of the same tour game.

"I don't have many concerns. We have been now together for two weeks in Abu Dhabi and then here. We worked on all aspects. And last few weeks we working on our skills against spin. We are confident with our preparation. And now it's just to put [forward the] challenge to the players and they are looking forward to the Test match," said Moles.

"The coaching staff is delighted with effort from the players. This is really hard challenge to play against Bangladesh in Bangladesh. If we look at the past series, top teams in the world had to put a lot of hard work. We are under no illusion that this is going to be our tough examination of our skills. But we have worked hard. [We're] delighted with the attitude the players put into this game. Now, let's see how they play and hope for a good result."

Moles said that Afghanistan are well aware that the hosts will come up with a spin-oriented attack but added that he is not ready to compare their spin department with Bangladesh's. According to the coach, Afghanistan's main focus lies in being consistent.

"I'm not here to talk about Bangladesh. I'm here to talk about what we can control. We can control how they bat, bowl and field. I can get my players under the captaincy of Rashid to apply them in a manner which get the best out of them. Being consistent is our challenge. We have got skillful players as well.

"I'm not surprised. I have seen the results of yours in last few games. Its home advantage. I would be surprised if they did not come with spin. We also have good spin attack," Moles said, adding that if Afghanistan do manage to win it will be massive for them and their cricket.

"It will be massive. We can play well because the guys have put that effort. We are not scared of Bangladesh, but we respect them. We know how we have to play. Hopefully the players apply themselves according to the plans in dressing room and team meetings," Moles concluded.

ENDS