Soumya, Taskin axed as Fizz returns

The BCB announced the 16-man Bangladesh squad Sunday afternoon for the tri-nation ODI series against visiting sides Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, changing five players from their last squad that took part in the three-ODI series against South Africa away from home. The squad for the first two ODIs of the tri-series was revealed by chief national selector Minhajul Abedin and selector Habibul Bashar at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. Batsman Soumya Sarkar, pace bowler Taskin Ahmed and wicketkeeper-batsman Liton Das were dropped from the squad. Alongside Soumya, Taskin and Liton, the selectors also axed batsman Mominul Haque and paceman Shafiul Islam. These five players were replaced by stumper-batsmen Mohammad Mithun and Anamul Haque, all-rounder Abul Hasan, spinner Sanjamul Islam and pacer Mustafizur Rahman.

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Also read: Taskin needs to play longer version domestic cricket, says Minhajul

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Mustafizur got injured right before the South Africa ODIs but is now fit for action. Minhajul also informed that Soumya needs a break from international cricket to get back to run-scoring ways. Meanwhile, the chief selector admitted Taskin should concentrate more on longer version games in the domestic level after an unimpressive away series against the Proteas. Anamul and Mithun returned to the squad after quite a long time and the chief selector said they have earned call-ups due to consistent performance in the domestic level.

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Also read: Taskin needs to play longer version domestic cricket, says Minhajul

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“Anamul has performed consistently in the last two years. That’s why he has earned his call-up. And Mithun is in good form in domestic cricket recently. Team management is confident about Mithun’s good performance. So we are hopeful that Anamul and Mithun will play well if they get the chance in the playing XI,” said Minhajul. Bangladesh announced an extra player (16th man) for the tri- series as the selectors stated that there is a slight injury concern regarding opener Imrul Kayes. The squad comprises three wicketkeeper-batsmen in the form of Mushfiqur Rahim, Anamul and Mithun. Minhajul however, informed Mushfiq is their first choice stumper for the tri-series.

SQUAD:

Masrafe Bin Mortaza (c), Shakib Al Hasan (vc), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Anamul Hoque Bijoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmud Ullah, Nasir Hossain, Shabbir Rahaman, Md Mithun, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Abul Hasan Raju, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Md Saif Uddin, Sunzamul Islam