Bangladesh all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain Saikat has earned a recall to the national ODI squad after nearly four years as selectors announced the squad for the first two matches of the upcoming home series against Australia.
Mosaddek's last ODI appearance came against Zimbabwe in August 2022. He returns to the setup alongside wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan Sohan, with Afif Hossain and Mahidul Islam Ankon making way following Bangladesh's most recent ODI series against New Zealand in April.
Chief selector Habibul Bashar Sumon said the changes were made with tactical considerations in mind.
“We could not give Mahidul much opportunity. I cannot say that we have given Afif enough opportunity either; he could have got a little more opportunity. We have made tactical changes at the moment,” Habibul said on Tuesday.
The chief selector pointed to Mosaddek's strong domestic form and experience as key reasons behind his inclusion.
“Mosaddek is batting very well at the moment. His skills at number six will be more useful for us. He is an experienced cricketer, he has played before and is in good form in the Dhaka Premier League. We will use his all-round ability,” he said.
Mosaddek has been among the standout performers in this season’s Dhaka Premier League, scoring 310 runs in six innings for Abahani Limited at an average of 77.50 and a strike rate of 129.17.
Nurul Hasan Sohan has also impressed in the domestic circuit, scoring 248 runs in eight innings. According to Habibul, the team management sees him as a stronger option for the middle order, particularly in the number six and seven positions.
Bangladesh will host Australia in a three-match ODI series beginning on June 9 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The remaining matches are scheduled for June 11 and 14 at the same venue.
Squad (First and second ODI): Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Liton Das, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana.
