Former Australian Test cricketer Andrew McDonald has lauded Afghanistan star all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, who is set to play his set ODI World Cup, has a lot on his shoulders to inspire young blood in Afghan camp.
Apart from two sensational spinners in the form of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Nabi will be a focus of oppositions in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019.
Donald believes star leg-spinner Rashid has had been a significant focus far and wide while adding Nabi performance has gone unnoticeable.
“In the Afghanistan team, there’s always a lot of discussion around Rashid Khan. He’s taken the spotlight. And there’s a little bit more mystery around what he does. (Nabi is) the sort of player that flies under the radar,” cricket.com.au quoted McDonald as saying.
Meanwhile, McDonald has further warned Australia not to take their eyes of Nabi in the World Cup opener in Bristol against Gulbadin Naib-led Australia.
With Australia ready to face Afghanistan, the 34-year-old allrounder Nabi is prepared to deliver against a more experienced side. Nabi might have failed to grab the limelight. But he has done enough to earn respect.
Besides, Nabi himself had featured in global Twenty20 edition which further earned him recognition when McDonald, who served as a coach for Big Bash League (BBL) franchise, said there is nothing to be taken away from him.
“Not many people knew about him before he came in (to the Renegades) a few seasons ago. He was a little bit unknown. But within the cricket world, he commands great respect and lot of people know what he can do,” McDonald stated.
Nabi has a wealth of experience on his back:
McDonald, who has helped Renegades to win the title further called Nabi street-smart cricketer.
“I just think he’s a really intelligent cricketer,” McDonald added.
Nabi has recently bagged three wickets against Pakistan during a warm-up game.
However, Nabi followed it with a cameo of 44 off 42 balls. Well, at one stage, the Afghans were struggling at eight for 92. Thus, he helped his side to post 160, which also saw him bagging a solitary wicket. Nevertheless, England romped to a nine-wicket win.
Evidently, the prominent cricketer Nabi, who has done an outstanding job, is further in pursuit to help Afghanistan in the mega ICC event.