Mithun given new function

Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Mithun's inclusion in the squad for the upcoming Asia Cup can be considered as recognition for his fine run of form during the Bangladesh A team's recent tour of Ireland. The right-hander was instrumental as he scored two fifties in the five-match one-day series while batting at the middle order.

Therefore the selectors are considering the 27-year-old, who also played as an opener in 13 T20Is, for the middle order in the upcoming Asia Cup.

"It was a reflection of the captain's and coach's demands as they asked for a middle order batsman who can play spin well. They mentioned his name so we decided to include him. We are considering him in the middle order at number six-seven position and he has scored a couple of fifties in the A team ODI series in Ireland," chief selector Minhajul Abedin told the Daily Star yesterday.

Mithun has only played three ODI's since debuting in the format against India in 2014, where he scored 26 runs as an opening batsman while the following game was abandoned, but the cricketer was still dropped from the side after that.

The wicketkeeper-batsman, who has been scoring consistently in the domestic circuit, made his comeback to the one-day side earlier this year, four years after being dropped, in the tri-nation ODI series final in Mirpur. Mithun replaced an underperforming Anamul Haque for the opening spot and scored ten runs but he was dropped from the team again for the next series.

The right-hander was in and out of the team ever since his international debut four years ago but according to Minhajul, the team management hopes that Mithun will be able to utilise this opportunity and cement his place in the middle order.