Kabul: Former Australia batsman and cricket commentator Dean Jones will coach Afghanistan in their upcoming Hong Kong tour, officials said Tuesday, in the latest sign of the team`s rising fortunes.


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Jones, who visited Kabul last month to commentate on the Shpageeza Twenty20 tournament, will take charge for Afghanistan`s four-day Intercontinental Cup game from October 20-23, and could become a permanent fixture, the Afghan cricket board said.


"(The) Afghanistan Cricket Board has appointed Dean Jones, a prominent former Australian cricketer and commentator, as its head coach for the four-day Intercontinental games in Hong Kong," it said in a statement.


"Both parties will consider a long-term agreement after the games," it added.


Jones said in a Twitter message that he was happy to lead Afghanistan`s cricket team in Hong Kong.


"I am pleased to announce that I will be Afghanistan interim Head Coach for their Tour to Hong Kong #shouldbefun," he said.


Afghanistan`s cricket team was catapulted into the elite club of Test nations in June and made their landmark Lord`s debut the following month.


Last month, the fifth edition of the six-team Shpageeza tournament attracted big-name players, coaches and commentators, along with thousands of fans, lifting spirits in a country better known for its grinding conflict.