Bangladesh fast bowling sensation Taskin Ahmed has been included in the second and final two-day practice match against England which begins at MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong on Sunday.
Taskin was recently cleared by the International Cricket Council and displayed impressive performances against Afghanistan and England in the ODIs.
The time has now come for Taskin to prove himself in the longer format of the game.
Taskin played his last longer-version game in 2013 for Walton Central Zone. Since then, he has been struggling with his fitness and as a result, was not considered for four-day matches in the next three years.
Now he is fit and bowling with real pace and the Tigers think-tank is considering giving him a chance to cement his place in the Test squad.
Bangladesh's Taskin Ahmed celebrates
DHAKA TRIBUNE“Taskin was unfit in the last few years for the longer version of the game. That’s why he was not considered. But now he is fit and after consulting with the team physio (Baizidul Islam), we have decided to give Taskin a chance in the two-day match,” national team selector Habibul Bashar said.
The Test squad for the two-match England series will be announced on Sunday. Pacer Mohammad Shahid, who was a regular fixture in the last few matches, has been injured for the last few months and is still recovering from a side-strain injury. The other available options from the recent ODI squads are Al Amin Hossian, Rubel Hossain and Shafiul Islam.
Bangladesh's Shafiul Islam bowls during the ODI series against England
DHAKA TRIBUNEAl-Amin and Rubel are not in their best rhythm and Shafiul played the last of his eight Tests three years ago. Pace sensation Mustafizur Rahman is still recovering from his lengthy lay off and is expected to be fit in late December. So there is a high chance of giving Taskin his much awaited Test cap.
While in the spin department, Taijul Islam is the obvious choice. Ace all-rounder Shakib al Hasan will lead the attack.
In the batting line-up, Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib are likely to get the nod. The No 7 spot will be up for grabs. Shuvagata Hom can be an option as he has been playing as an all rounder in that position in the last few matches. Youngster Mosaddek Hossain is also vying for the same spot.
The team management is also considering wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan as an alternative. If Bangladesh play a specialist stumper then skipper Mushfiq's burden will lessen as he is one of the main batsman of the side.
Bangladesh's Taskin Ahmed celebrates DHAKA TRIBUNE“Taskin was unfit in the last few years for the longer version of the game. That’s why he was not considered. But now he is fit and after consulting with the team physio (Baizidul Islam), we have decided to give Taskin a chance in the two-day match,” national team selector Habibul Bashar said.
The Test squad for the two-match England series will be announced on Sunday. Pacer Mohammad Shahid, who was a regular fixture in the last few matches, has been injured for the last few months and is still recovering from a side-strain injury. The other available options from the recent ODI squads are Al Amin Hossian, Rubel Hossain and Shafiul Islam.
Bangladesh's Shafiul Islam bowls during the ODI series against England DHAKA TRIBUNEAl-Amin and Rubel are not in their best rhythm and Shafiul played the last of his eight Tests three years ago. Pace sensation Mustafizur Rahman is still recovering from his lengthy lay off and is expected to be fit in late December. So there is a high chance of giving Taskin his much awaited Test cap.
While in the spin department, Taijul Islam is the obvious choice. Ace all-rounder Shakib al Hasan will lead the attack.
In the batting line-up, Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib are likely to get the nod. The No 7 spot will be up for grabs. Shuvagata Hom can be an option as he has been playing as an all rounder in that position in the last few matches. Youngster Mosaddek Hossain is also vying for the same spot.
The team management is also considering wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan as an alternative. If Bangladesh play a specialist stumper then skipper Mushfiq's burden will lessen as he is one of the main batsman of the side.