Will Nasir make the cut?

Only two months ago Nasir Hossain's chances of making it the World Cup squad looked like a distant dream, but the all-rounder may witness a turn of fortunes when the 15-member team is announced today.

With Nasir in the lower middle-order there had always been hope for the Tigers and his performances brought him the acclamation of Mr. Finisher, but the 23-year old all-rounder lost all his reverence in the past year, which saw him go out of favour for the home series against Zimbabwe last November.

Faruque Ahmed-led selection panel then felt that the player needed a break from the top flight to get back his rhythm; and although Nasir did not display any extraordinary performances in the Dhaka Premier League, he showed positive signs of coming back to his natural form with three fifties and a hundred which made him the most discussed name ahead of the announcement of the team. And with the selectors counting on experience, Nasir's comeback is not unlikely.

Faruque is going to make a small piece of history today, becoming the only Bangladesh chief selector to pick two World Cup squads, but it is unlikely that he will include any big surprises like he did during the 2007 World Cup.

Despite their injuries, Mushfiqur Rahim and Tamim Iqbal have been drafted into the side as they are expected to be fit again well before the World Cup begins.

Two young all-rounders in Sabbir Rahman and Soumya Sarker were also in discussion, but the latter may get the chance only if the axe falls on Imrul Kayes. Considering the condition of the pitches, Bangladesh is likely to include four pacers and young Taskin Ahmed is all set to make a comeback after recovering from injury to line up alongside Mashrafe Bin Mortaza. Despite legal issues, Rubel Hossain also has a good chance to make it along with Shafiul Islam ahead of Abul Hasan and Al-Amin Hossain, whose confidence was severally dented due to the calling of his action by the ICC.

There was a lot of interest on young leg-spinner Jubair Hossain, but left-arm spinners Taijul Islam and Arafat Sunny are likelier to get the nod ahead of the 19-year-old.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan Papon will also be present during today's announcement and he is likely to declare the name of the captain and vice-captain for the mega tournament.

It is all but confirmed that Mashrafe will lead the team in the World Cup for the first time, while Shakib Al Hasan will be his deputy. The duo had successfully performed their duties during in last home series against Zimbabwe.

The preparation camp for the World Cup will start from January 12 and continue till January 22 at Mirpur. The Tigers will fly for Brisbane on January 24. In Brisbane, the Tigers will play two unofficial practice matches against Cricket Australia XI before flying for Sydney on February 7, ahead of the ICC World Cup from February 14.