Mashrafe keen on giving Fazle another shot

Fazle Rabbi, who was included in the Bangladesh squad for the ODI series after ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was forced out through injury, has not been able to make a mark so far, falling without scoring in both matches against Zimbabwe.

The competition for places has turned up a notch with the likes of all-rounder Ariful Haque and opener Nazmul Hossain not getting a start so far. While Tigers are looking to experiment in order to bolster the squad for the future, Fazle getting another start might be unlikely. However, skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza was keen to hand another opportunity to the 30-year old player.

"I would not hesitate to give him another opportunity if I was given the responsibility of selection. I feel that he has been really unfortunate," Mashrafe said.

The captain recognised that selection depends upon decisions made by a host of people, not just one person and there was a lot to consider.

"[Nazmul Hossain] Shanto is sitting out. So we all want Shanto to play too. The point is that saying things alone will not work since it is a matter of discussion," he stated.

Mashrafe however thinks that backing a player also means having the capability to show patience and to judge them carefully.

"If Rabbi gets another opportunity, I won't mind. I believe that if you have to back a player, it should be done this way [giving him sufficient opportunities]," Mashrafe pointed out, suggesting that underperforming in a few games does not mean a player does not have what it takes to make the cut. If poor performances are judged to see whether a player is capable or not, odds are high that Bangladesh might look away from players who have the potential. In this regard, having a process for handing players opportuinities is important for Mashrafe, rather than making rash choices and calling them experiments.

"It could have happened to me [not being given opportunities after poor performances] and I think a player can be backed and given opportunities if you consider all their aspects. He proved himself and that is why he came this far. He got out unexpectedly in both matches," he concluded.