Mashrafe still haunts India
It was decided a month ago that Mashrafe Bin Mortaza will no longer be part of Bangladesh's World Cup campaign. But the paceman was still the focus of the media, especially the ones from India, on the eve of the World Cup opener against India.
The Indian journalists have reasons behind their enthusiasm with Mashrafe, who paved the way for India's early exit. The Narail Express hit the Indian top-order and wrapped them up taking four for 38 at the Queen's Park Oval and was eventually the man-of-the-match in Bangladesh's 5-wicket win.
Even before that famous game, Mashrafe was the key performer in Bangladesh's 15-run win over the same opposition in 2004 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
As part of his rehabilitation, Mashrafe has been practicing with the Tigers and was caught by the Indian journalists, who tried to highlight the dropped Mashrafe rather than any player of the current squad. When Mashrafe sat at the steps of the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium's indoor centre, the huge group of reporters swarmed around him.
"Pacers would first have to do well in a bid to pave the way for the spinners," said Mashrafe when asked of the Tigers' chances. "I have faith on Shafiul Islam, who has ability to bring the early breakthroughs for Bangladesh," he added.
Mashrafe's presence did not leave the official press conferences of MS Dhoni and Shakib Al Hasan too. While the Tigers skipper felt they would miss Mashrafe's experience, Dhoni had little time to think about anyone who is not part of the game.
When asked the absence of Mashrafe to be an advantage for India, Dhoni joked, “I can say he is not going to be man-of-the-match again.”
Mashrafe's absence is a major weight off the Indians' shoulders, given the level of expectation that is already heaped upon them but it would be hard for them to shake off another disaster without the Narail Express around.
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