Bangladesh squad for Zimbabwe series named
There was good news for Bangladesh as Mashrafe Mortaza and Tamim Iqbal were both named in the squad for their ODI series against Zimbabwe. Mortaza, who is a fast bowling all-rounder, and Iqbal, who is an opening batsman, have both been out of the side with
injuries but are vital cogs in the side for the World Cup. Their return from the injuries for this series at home will bode well for the side.
Apart from the pair, the selectors also named Mohammad Ashraful in the side along with Shakib al Hasan as the captain of the team.
Mortaza was the original choice for captain of the Bangladeshi side for their previous series against New Zealand, but his injury meant that Shakib was made the captain. However, even after Mortaza recovered from the injury, he was still not made captain. Instead,
Shakib, who had led the Bangladeshi side to a 4-0 win over New Zealand, continues to lead the side.
According to the Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesperson, Rabeed Imam, "Mashrafe is now fit and has been included in the side. But the board has decided to give the captaincy to Shakib for the Zimbabwe series."
A surprising selection was that of Ashraful, who has been out of the side due to form. In his absence, the likes of Shahriar Nafees and Jahurul Islam have done a good job for the side but will now have to make way for him. According to the board officials,
the selection was made by looking at the manner in which Ashraful led and bated in the Asian Games 2010. Bangladesh went on to win the gold medal in those games.
Bangladesh takes on Zimbabwe in a five-match ODI series and will look to continue their winning streak before the start of the World Cup from February 19.
Bangladesh squad for Zimbabwe series:
Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Mashrafe Mortaza, Junaid Siddique, Imrul Kayes, Mohammad Ashraful, Mushfiqur Rahim (w), Raqibul Hasan, Mahmudullah, Abdur Razzak, Naeem Islam, Suhrawadi Shuvo, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Nazmul Hossain
Tags: