Joy, Ebadot, Nasum in ODIs for Afghanistan series
The Bangladesh Cricket Board today announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, with wholesale changes owing to various reasons.
As many as seven players from the 16-member ODI series against Zimbabwe in July last year – the last series for the Tigers – lost their places while five players have either been called up for the first time or made a comeback to the side. The ones that have been left out are: Naeem Sheikh, Mosaddek Hossain, Mohammad Mithun, Nurul Hassan Sohan, Taijul Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin and Rubel Hossain.
Top-order batsman Mahmudul Hasan Joy, pacer Ebadot Hossain and left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed were called up for the first time while Najmul Hossain Shanto made a comeback alongside uncapped all-rounder Yasir Ali Rabbi.
Chief selector Minhajul Abedin Nannu explained the reasons behind the inclusion of the fresh faces to the media today.
Regarding Ebadot, Nannu said: "Ebadot is normally our Test bowler. Overall, the way he has been working with the bowling unit, has impressed them and pleased us. We have already seen in the shorter version that he is quite capable of controlling the white ball. That's why we are considering him for the ODIs."
Regarding Joy: "Joy, he played a tremendous Test innings for us in New Zealand. We hope to see something good from him in the ODI. The manner in which he bats, makes it seem he is dependable. And If he can bat with confidence, hopefully we'll extract better service from him in the coming days."
On Nasum: "Nasum has been performing consistently in the domestic circuit and also in the T20s. This consistency factor has enabled his inclusion in the side."
On Shanto: "We've discussed about Shanto with the team management. We are confident enough about him. Being a regular member of our Test squad already, we think this player has a lot of potential in the fifty-over cricket."
The ODIs, which are part of the ICC World Cup Super League, will take place at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on February 23, 25 and 28.
SQUAD
Tamim Iqbal (captain), Liton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Mahmudul Hasan Joy
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