'I can take my country forward'
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza has thanked the Bangladesh Cricket Board for 'keeping faith' in the player and giving him a chance to lead the Tigers for the second time in his career.
The 'Narail-Express', who was named Bangladesh's ODI captain for the Zimbabwe series yesterday, was first assigned the responsibility in 2009 when he took over from Mohammad Ashraful. The period however, was short-lived as he got injured in the first Test. Mashrafe returned to the helm 12 months later when Bangladesh toured England. An injury in October that year, during the New Zealand series, eventually saw Shakib Al Hasan take over from him permanently.
“I want to thank the BCB as they have kept their faith in me and has given me another opportunity to lead my country,” Mashrafe told reporters in Incheon, where the team will take part in the Asian Games.
“At the moment though I am not thinking about the Zimbabwe series. I am completely focused on the Asian Games.
“I want the blessing of the people of my country. I believe that I can take my country's cricket forward,” added the 31-year-old.
Shakib Al Hasan returned to the fray as well as he was named Mashrafe's deputy for the series. The ace-allrounder, who recently returned to international cricket after serving a disciplinary suspension, said that he was looking forward to don the national jersey.
“Every human being goes through changes,” a smiling Shakib said while tightening his pads before the start of their net sessions.
“Playing for your nation is always inspiring. Every time I get down to the field it motivates me to bring out my best,” he added.
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