Mashrafe bin Mortaza is set to make his return to the Bangladesh national team in the first ODI against New Zealand today at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium and the captain Mushfiqur Rahim was excited at the prospect.
“Mashrafe bhai, definitely he is an asset for any team, and he is completely fit and he will Inshaallah be completely fine to play tomorrow,” said Mushfiq.
The Narail Express, who has been recovering from an ankle injury, played his last ODI against the West Indies last December in Mirpur. Since then, he has played in the Dhaka league for Mohammedan this year.
Mashrafe has taken 162 wickets in 128 matches and is one of Bangladesh’s most experienced ODI players. Former chief selector and a director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board Akram Khan expressed his confidence in the veteran pace bowler. “He is one of the icon players of Bangladesh and having him back will definitely boost the side. If he remains fit, we are definitely hoping for some good performances from him,” said Akram.