Due to Shahadat's weeklong viral fever, Sharif was called up but now it seems that the lanky paceman, who took five wickets in the first Test at Chittagong, is likely to play as he bowled in the nets at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday.

Chief selector Faruque Ahmed explained the choice of the seamer, saying, "Sharif is covering for Shahadat but he was picked because of his previous Test experience as compared to the other impressive fast bowlers of the domestic circuit."

Sharif's inclusion also highlighted the fact that the Bangladesh think-tank are interested in picking three seamers, likely keeping left-arm spinner Enamul Haque out of the final eleven. The wicket to be used today at the Mirpur venue has some grass and it is likely that left-arm seamer Syed Rasel will get a go.

Sharif, who has 14 wickets from his eight Test appearances, last played for Bangladesh in the Zimbabwe tour in February this year. He is also handy with the bat, a quality that the chief selector also mentioned while talking to the Daily Star last night.

He made a superb comeback with two stellar seasons in local cricket after being sidelined with a career-threatening groin injury.