Bangladesh eager to get into groove after layoff

Bangladesh will be hoping that their long absence from international cricket does not hurt their form when they play a three-match One Day International series against Afghanistan in Dhaka today.

The home side last played an international match during the ICC World Twenty20 in India in April this year and have played no onedayers since hosting Zimbabwe in November last year.

The Afghanistan series was hastily arranged to give Bangladesh some cricket ahead of a more serious engagement against England, who will be visiting the country in October for three ODIs and two Tests.

Coach Chandika Hathurusinghe said the team’s main focus was to get back to rhythm as soon as possible.

“Not playing for a long time is a bit of an Achilles’ heel for us,” Hathurusinghe said yesterday.

“That is what we are trying to get over, that uncertainty. The first match is vital for us. We have no concern over any skill part — batting, bowling or fielding.

“It is all about the mental side of the game — getting into the game, playing in front of a crowd for your country.”

The home side were buoyed by the return of pace bowler Taskin Ahmad, who was cleared to bowl in international cricket on Friday after he successfully remodelled his action.

Taskin and left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny were reported for suspect actions after Bangladesh’s opening match in the ICC World Twenty20 against the Netherlands in India.

While Sunny was made to wait, Bangladesh drafted Taskin immediately into their squad against Afghanistan.

“The quality of Taskin’s skill will benefit any team in world cricket,” said Hathurusinghe. “He is one of our best bowlers. So he is coming and we are very relieved to have this ban off.”