Rashid Khan expected to stay on with Adelaide Strikers following death of his father

Rashid Khan is expected to fly to Melbourne with the Adelaide Strikers on Wednesday with a decision yet to be made on whether he will return to Afghanistan following the death of his father.

Rashid Khan gets a hug from captain Colin Ingram after Adelaide’s win over Sydney on New Year’s Eve. Picture: Sarah Reed.

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Rashid Khan is expected to fly to Melbourne with the Adelaide Strikers on Wednesday with a decision yet to be made on whether he will return to Afghanistan following the death of his father.

The 20-year-old leg spinner was lauded for his bravery in playing in Adelaide’s New Year’s Eve win over the Sydney Thunder on the day of his father’s passing, where he took 2/34 off his four overs at Adelaide Oval.

The Strikers play the Melbourne Renegades in Geelong on Thursday before hosting the Sydney Sixers on Sunday.

Wicket-keeper and opening batsman Alex Carey described Khan as like a “brother” and said he was in awe of the player and person.

Colin Ingram embraces an emotional Rashid Khan after the Strikers victory. Picture: Sarah Reed

“He’s fitted into our group amazing over the last two seasons, he’s one of our brothers in the side,” Carey said.

“He’s one of the best players in the world but the person he is, I don’t have high enough words you know. He’s just one of the best I’ve come across as a person.

“He was out signing autographs before the game, he fronted up tonight and played outstanding, I don’t have enough words to describe what a bloke he is.

Today I lost the most important person in my life,father-the everlasting candle.Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.
Now I know why u always asked me to be strong,bcz u knew that today I would need the strength to bear your loss.Will be always in my🤲🏼I miss u #plztalktomeOnce😢😢 pic.twitter.com/BGIHaqKVbx

— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) December 30, 2018

“I would like to think we’ve all welcomed him here in Adelaide and into our family.

“He’s played a fair bit of cricket now and always has a big smile on his face, he loves the energy with the crowd and brings the energy.”

Carey was again instrumental for the Strikers, making 59 off 40 deliveries in a 75-run partnership with captain Colin Ingram which helped set up the win.

“At the top of the order with the new ball it was coming on quite nicely, then through the middle they pegged it back a bit once the ball got a bit soft it slowed down a fraction,” Carey said.

“He’s (Ingram) such a calm head who’s played so much cricket and we just talked about watching the ball and reacting to that and it was a really nice partnership to set up 170.”

Carey said he would like the opportunity to bat at the top of the order for Australia in One Day Internationals but was happy to get a spot anywhere.

“I would put my hand up to play any role for Australia to be honest,” he said.

“I do love batting at the top of the order, it can be the best fun or it can be hard work, and in this format it’s go out and watch the ball and let it flow.

“If I was to get an opportunity at the top of the order I would take that, but (Aaron) Finch is probably going to take that role and Shaun Marsh is really good at the top of the order.

“I enjoyed playing in the middle of the order last series against South Africa and tried to develop my game that way, if I was to bat 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 I’m happy.”