Picture Credit: BCB
Bangladesh is all set to host Sri Lanka for a 3-match ODI series starting from 23 May, with all the three matches scheduled to be played at Sher-e-Bangla stadium. There have been quite a few omissions in the squad as young southpaw Najmul Hossain Shanto could not find a place for the first two ODIs of their three-match white ball home series. Al Amin Hossian, Hasan Mahmud, Rubel Hossain and Nasum Ahmed are the other four players, who missed the list. Meanwhile, star all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan marks a return in the squad.
Shakib, who missed the New Zealand tour with a thigh injury followed by his IPL stint, could not join The Tigers in their visit to Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series.
Bangladesh Squad: Tamim Iqbal (Captain), Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Soumya Sarkar, Mosaddek Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Shoriful Islam.
“Shanto hasn’t done well in ODIs, so we thought of giving him a break”
The 22-year-old, who looked impressive with his bat against Sri Lanka in the first Test at Pallekele, was not able to convince the selectors for his ODI inclusion. Shanto has managed to score just 93 runs in his eight ODI matches, including 38 in three innings in the ODI series against West Indies. “Shanto hasn’t done well in ODIs, so we thought of giving him a break,” Bangladesh chief selector Minhajul Abedin said on Shanto’s exclusion.
Things are a little different at home
Abedin added that they have not done many changes in the squad and that they will focus on their 3-0 win over West Indies at home in January. “We have almost kept everyone. The selection panel that we play better cricket against Sri Lanka. Things are a little different at home and we have done well against them in the past".
The 19-member squad also feature 4 stand-by players, which include the likes of Mohammad Naim, Taijul Islam, Shohidul Islam and Aminul Islam Biplob. The stand-by players have been added keeping the COVID-19 situation in mind.