The Afghan national cricket team players hold the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy in Kabul international cricket stadium (Associated Press)
Perth, Australia:
Afghanistan's fledging cricket team began a three-week tour of Australia on Sunday to help it prepare for its first appearance at next year's 50-over World Cup tournament.
Ranked 11th in the one-day international form of the game, the results of matches against teams from Western Australia and Canberra in Australia and Auckland-area teams in New Zealand won't really matter - the Afghanis are here to experience conditions they'll face next February and March when the Cricket World Cup is held in both countries.
They'll play in a tough Pool A that includes four-time champion Australia, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Scotland.
The team is coached by Englishman Andy Moles, whose brother, an anti-terrorism expert, advised him against taking the job in the war-torn country.
Ranked 11th in the one-day international form of the game, the results of matches against teams from Western Australia and Canberra in Australia and Auckland-area teams in New Zealand won't really matter - the Afghanis are here to experience conditions they'll face next February and March when the Cricket World Cup is held in both countries.
They'll play in a tough Pool A that includes four-time champion Australia, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Scotland.
The team is coached by Englishman Andy Moles, whose brother, an anti-terrorism expert, advised him against taking the job in the war-torn country.
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