‘Role is alright but not here to take Shakib bhai’s place’
30-year old Fazle Rabbi, a domestic journeyman who plays for Barishal in the NCL, South Zone in the Bangladesh Cricket League and Khelaghar Samaj Kallyan Samity in the Dhaka Premier League was named in the Tigers' squad for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe. In the absence of ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who is nursing an injury to his finger, Fazle will be asked to bolster Bangladesh with his abilities and the all-rounder reiterated he will look to do what he knows best and it was not his job to replace the world's best all-rounder.
The cricketer, who once thought about leaving cricket to focus on a different profession sees himself as a batting all-rounder, said that the role he might be asked to play will suit him.
"The role is alright but it is not possible for anyone to take Shakib bhai's place. Mainly, I am a batting all-rounder and I love to bat. But I do bowl when the team needs me. If required, I will play that role for the side. It's not about taking Shakib bhai's place but about trying to do what I can manage.
Shakib had been batting at one down in recent series for the Tigers and whether Fazle, known for his ability to hit the big ones will be asked to play high up in the batting order remains to be seen. However, he was looking forward to the challenge and said that the it was inspiring to see the professionalism of the national team's cricketers.
"They all know their roles very well and what they are required to do. I am observing and trying to learn. The players in the dressing room are very serious and that inspired me a lot."
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