Mosaddek back in ODI fold after nearly four years

Bangladesh have recalled all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain to the squad for the first two ODIs of the three-match series against Australia, which begins on June 9 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

The 30-year-old last featured in an ODI during Bangladesh's home series against Zimbabwe in August 2022. His most recent appearance in national colours came later that year at the T20 World Cup in Australia.

Afif Hossain and wicketkeeper-batter Mahidul Islam Ankon have been left out of the 15-member squad. Afif struggled to make an impact following his return to the national side and endured below-par series against New Zealand, while Ankon had remained on the fringes of the eleven over the past few assignments despite being in the squads.

The three-match ODI series will be played on June 9, 11 and 14, with all matches scheduled to take place in Mirpur.

Wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan Sohan, who last played an ODI during the home series against the West Indies in October last year, has been included in place of Ankon.

Chief selector Habibul Bashar said the changes were made as part of a tactical rethink.

“We can’t say we have given Ankon enough opportunities, and we also can’t say we have given enough opportunities to Afif. I think he deserves a little more. But at this moment we are making a few tactical changes, which is why the two changes came.

“Mosaddek is batting very well and his skill set will be useful to us at number six. He is an experienced player and has been in very good form in the Premier League. At the same time, his abilities as an all-rounder will be useful. His bowling is effective and, with him in the side, we will have better balance,” Bashar said in a BCB video message.

Bashar also explained that, with Ankon enjoying success as a top-order batter in the Dhaka Premier League, the selectors opted for Sohan, whom they view as a more established option in the lower middle order at No. 6 or 7.

SQUAD:

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Musaddek Hossain Saikot, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.