NEW DELHI: India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has praised Afghanistan’s rise to the top of the sport under tough circumstances, saying it was an honour to face the South Asian nation in their landmark first Test starting on Thursday (tomorrow). Afghanistan will play India, the top-ranked test nation, after becoming full members of the International Cricket Council (ICC) last year. They are coming off a commanding Twenty20 series win over Bangladesh this month and Karthik paid tribute to their inspiring journey. “It’s been beautiful,” Karthik told reporters on Tuesday. “Their journey has been an inspiration for international cricket. Not many knew they play… We all know what a tough place it is and the kind of turmoil they go through and despite that, they are able to inspire people with their performances.” Published in Daily Times, June 13th 2018.