Rhodes confident in Mominul and Nazmul’s ability

Tamim Iqbal has not only been able to give Bangladesh a good start in recent times but has also been able to provide the backbone to the Bangladesh innings. In his absence Tigers need someone to open along with Liton Das and coach Steve Rhodes saw opportunity for Mominul Haque and Nazmul Hossain Shanto and felt confident on both their ability to do well.

In terms of experience Mominul, who has a great Test record at home, played more international matches than youngster Shanto and the coach is happy to see him return to the ODI side.

"Obviously Mominul has had some great success in Test cricket. His record certainly at home is phenomenal and he has shown that he can play at international level. I am so pleased that he is managing to get back into the ODI side cause if you're a good player you should be able to play all the formats well and I believe he can.," he said.

Shanto, Steve admitted has a different characteristic to Mominul but believes that the youngster can also be a good replacement for Tamim.

"Shanto is a different sort of player, he is a young player who hasn't played much international [matches] at all. He is in a different place to Mominul but the thing about Shanto is that he's got something about him that oozes confidence and has expanded his game a little bit over this last few months. He is in a good place so if he gets the nod then I'm confident that either him or Mominul can do a good job," Rhodes added.

Mohammad Mithun too has opened the batting in the past and if all-rounder Ariful Haque gets the nod, he too could play down the order while Mithun gets promoted.

"We have two batsmen in reserve and Ariful as well, who bats too. So we are in a good position."

However, judging from Rhodes's comment Shanto and Mominul are likely candidates to open the batting. "We have the likes of Mominul and we've got Shanto who could fill the shoes of Tamim there [opening slot]. Big shoes to fill but both of them are good prospects."