Mominul mulled as No. 3 for ODIs

Despite enjoying success in the fifty-over format Bangladesh are yet to find a settled number three batsman for the past few years. In the last two years the team management has tried four different batsmen in the position -- experimenting with Sabbir Rahman, Imrul Kayes and Liton Das before settling on Shakib Al Hasan since the tri-nation series at home earlier this year.

There were high expectations for Sabbir but the attacking right-hander, despite getting starts was unable to convert into big ones. Sabbir averaged 25.06 from 15 innings in the position with a highest score of 67 -- underwhelming figures that compelled the team management to look elsewhere.

Meanwhile, the selectors have named Mominul Haque -- labelled the Tigers' Test specialist -- as the captain of the Bangladesh A team for the one-day series in Ireland. Chief selector Minhajul Abedin informed that the team management is also considering the left-hander for the national ODI side.

Mominul played his last ODI three years ago against Sri Lanka during the 2015 ICC World Cup in Australia and has scored 543 runs in 26 games at an average of 23.60.

The 26-year-old however has a slightly better average of 28.06 from 15 innings batting at number three, including three fifties and, more importantly, the team management is looking for someone who is able to play long innings in that spot.

"He [Mominul] has played ODIs before and it's not that he has only played Test cricket, so we are looking to give our experienced players an opportunity in the A team. We have to make some decisions keeping the national team requirements in mind. We are thinking of Mominul in the one-day side as he only plays in one format, he is still young and if he is able to make a comeback in ODIs it will be a plus for us. We are also yet to get a settled number three in the ODIs," Minhajul told reporters yesterday.

Shakib on the other hand has been successful at number three in his seven innings so far, averaging 41.28 with three fifties, including his 97 in the first ODI against West Indies on a slow Guyana pitch.

When asked whether the think-tank is happy with Shakib's performance at number three, Minhajul informed that with Shakib's experience and versatility, he is best utilised if he can be shuffled through the order according to the situation.

"We have the number one all-rounder in our side and he is experienced enough to bat in any position. He is also comfortable at number 3. If the player is confident in playing in a specific position then I think he should continue to do that," he said.