Bangladesh recall Shafiul for Afghan ODIs
Selectors drop paceman Al Amin Hossain in a revamped 13-man squad for first two games
Bangladesh yesterday named uncapped batsman Mosaddek Hossain and recalled bowler Shafiul Islam in their squad for the start of their first ever bilateral one-day series against Afghanistan.
The selectors also dropped paceman Al Amin Hossain in a revamped 13-man squad for the first two games in three-match contest that begins on Sunday at Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
“We thought Shafiul would be a better option as he bowled fantastically well in recent training sessions,” chief selector Minhajul Abedin told a press conference in Dhaka.
“Our management also preferred Shafiul ahead of AlAmin, who is lagging behind in terms of fitness and fielding.”
Paceman Rubel Hossain was also recalled to the side after an injury-plagued season which forced him to miss the Zimbabwe ODIs in November last year.
Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam also returned to the team, having last played an ODI against New Zealand in the World Cup last year.
Illegal action
“Paceman Taskin Ahmed will join the squad provided he gets clearance from the ICC over his bowling action,” said chief selector Abedin.
He was banned from bowling in international cricket for an illegal action during the ICC World Twenty20 in India earlier this year.
He underwent a reassessment of his action in Australia on September 8 and is now awaiting the result.
Mossaddek played a Twenty20 international against Zimbabwe last year but was yet to win a cap in Test or ODIs.
The 20-year-old was called up after some fine performances in the Dhaka Premier League, Bangladesh’s top 50over domestic league, in which he averaged 77.75 with a strike rate of 104.89.
All three matches are taking place at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium, with the second game on September 28 and the finale on October 1.
We thought Shafiul would be a better option as he bowled fantastically well in recent training sessions. Al Amin is lagging behind in terms of fitness and fielding.” Minhajul Abedin | Chief selector