We have sowed the seeds of cricket even in China.
It was in Bengaluru seven years ago that Simmons truly left his imprint as a coach, when Ireland upset England at the 2011 World Cup.
He continued in his role as leader of the pace attack and was an important part of the side led by MS Dhoni that eventually lifted the inagural edition of the World T20 in South Africa.
The left-hander has scored over 100 runs in a session before, though, doing so against Australia on debut in Mohali in 2013, and then against Sri Lanka in Galle previous year.
India will see the match as a way to ease into the fresh season. "Coming back after a long time is special, it's good to have him in the team". "And exciting prospects for the future".
"This is yet another poignant example of the everlasting friendship between India and Afghanistan", Ghani said in a statement.
If Mujeeb Ur Rahman is selected in the team then he will become the first player to be born in the 21st century to play Test cricket.
More news: Putin: Trump and I 'regularly talk over the phone'"Our preparation has been good". "Fortunately the three fast bowlers (Wafadar, Sayed Shirzad and Yamin Ahmadzai) were not in T20I squad and they have been concentrating on Test preparation". Afghanistan further have two quality spinners in Mohammad Nabi and Zahir Khan, both of whom were part of the IPL this year.
India has also been associated with the development of cricket in Afghanistan since 2001 when the latter joined the International Cricket Council.
"Ashwin, Jadeja, and Kuldeep are all experienced and quality spinners".
"Everybody knew what a tough place it is, and the turmoil it faces, but they are able to inspire people with their performances". My feeling is that I can't tell you how to prepare for a particular player.
India had optional practice on Wednesday with spinners and pacers staying away. They have worked hard amidst the ruins that their nation is often facing, courtesy bombings, explosions, shootings, killing innocent lives. "It looks a lot darker today than it did two days ago, so I think by the time tomorrow (Thursday) comes it will be dry enough to spin on it".
Rashid Khan trapped Rahane lbw to bag his first Test scalp, the 19-year-old leg-spinner - top of the T20I bowling rankings and second in the ODI standings - ending the day with 1-120 from his 26 overs. "I am proud of the men who championed cricket in Afghanistan in the dawn of the century and believed in themselves that one day Afghanistan will play against the best in the world", the message read. In 2015, India allowed the Afghan cricket team to shift base to Greater Noida from Shariah. It will be an interesting start of the long worldwide season for Team India as they welcome Afghanistan to the Test arena.
The Chinnaswamy Stadium was a hive of activity as officials from India and Afghanistan welcomed the newest Test nationred-ball cricket, the ICC reported. According to another understanding reached last month, all teams touring India will now play one practice game against Afghanistan, an arrangement which will provide global exposure to the team.