Poor performances followed by a spate of injuries of the Bangladeshi pacers in Zimbabwe brought a rare opportunity for pace bowlers Shafiul Islam and all-rounder Ziaur Rahman as they were called up to join the tigers as replacements for Rubel Hossain and Shahdat Hossain.
The replacement-duo departed for Harare yesterday and are supposed to join the tigers today to cover for Rubel and Shahadat who are both nursing injuries and are doubtful for the second Test starting on April 25.
Rubel hurt his shoulder during the first Test while Shahadat is nursing a knee injury.
Interestingly, Shafiul is going to resume his test career from exactly where he finished as he played his last test against the same opponent in the same venue in early August in 2011 before being ruled out of the squad for a list of unimpressive performances.
He bowled a total of 33 overs for one wicket in the two innings in that test; although with a good economy rate of 2.03.
‘I did not bowl badly in that test but I could not give any important breakthrough as the batsmen were too reluctant to offer me shots,’ Shafiul said Dhaka Tribune prior to his departure.
However, the sharp pacer took his return to the same ground against the same opponents as an opportunity to get rid of past disgraces with a dazzling comeback so that the local fans get the real impression of his talent.
‘I believe this is a second chance for me to prove myself. Everyone do not get the chance to start from exactly where he finished,’ said Shafiul.
Meanwhile, Ziaur, better known for his dashing batting style instead of the gentle medium pace he delivers, wants to continue his first-class form if a chance is given to represent Bangladesh in test.
‘So far I understand from my first class experience that I can play a very good utility role in the team if I am given a chance,’ said Ziaur.
