Afghanistan add Zahir, Shirzad to Test squad

Afghanistan have strengthened their bowling arsenal for their first 'home' Test - against Ireland tomorrow (Friday) by adding left-arm wristspinner Zahir Khan and left-arm seam bowler Sayed Shirzad to the squad, reports ESPNcricinfo.

Zahir was initially not selected for the Test since the ACB was awaiting his fitness report. But now that Zahir has been declared fit, he will join the team in Dehradun. He has an outstanding first-class record, with 34 wickets in seven matches, at an average of 13.14.

The 24-year-old Shirzad has played 15 first-class games, taking 49 wickets - including four five-wicket hauls - at an average of 25.38.

Afghanistan squad: Asghar Afghan (capt), Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Ihsanullah Janat, Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Nasir Jamal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Ikram Alikhail, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Wafadar Momand, Yamin Ahmadzai, Sharafudin Ashraf, Waqar Salamkhail, Zahir Khan, Sayed Shirzad