India fast bowler Avesh Khan wants to play Test cricket for India. Speaking ahead of the 4th T20I against Zimbabwe, Avesh has given an open message to the Indian selectors that he is ready for red-ball cricket. Avesh’s request comes right ahead of India’s home Test season against Bangladesh and New Zealand before they fly out to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, one of the most high-profile bilateral series in the world.
Speaking via a Board of Control for Cricket in India video, Avesh has said that he has executed the red-ball role before in the domestic set up and has the ability to replicate that on the international stage as well.
“I’m very excited for Test cricket as I feel it’s a format where I can prove myself which I’ve done for my state team, India A or while Duleep, Deodhar trophy. I’m waiting for that chance as there’s a different kind of fun playing Test cricket. I love to bowl with the red ball as I bowl around 20-25 overs in a day for my state team as well. In the entire season I bowl around 300-350 overs so I’m looking forward for a chance to play Test cricket and do well for my country in the longest format,” Avesh Khan said ahead of the penultimate match of the Zimbabwe series.
Avesh has bowled well in the series without the guidance of Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested for the series. Speaking about the Indian spearhead, Avesh said that Bumrah was a once-in-a-generation bowler and the best thing about working with the pacer was that he was willing to share his knowledge.
“Like Virat bhai said, he is once in a generation bowler, it is true and we all believe so. His style of bowling and his mindset are different, but main (thing) is his execution, for which we all practice,” Avesh said.
“Whenever I speak with him, he tells me to focus on the execution. If you are thinking of sending down a yorker, then it has to be a yorker; it cannot be a full toss or a half volley, a bouncer has to be on the shoulders; a length ball has to be (aimed at) the top of off (stump),” concluded the fast bowler.
Avesh is expected to start in the 4th T20I match of the series where India will be looking to take an unassailable lead.
