Dhaka, June 3: Bangladesh is set to face Australia in a three-match ODI series starting June 9. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the squad for the first two matches. Middle-order batsman Mosaddek Hossain and wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan have been recalled, while Mahidul Islam Ankon and Afif Hossain have been dropped from the team.
The 30-year-old Mosaddek last played an ODI for Bangladesh in August 2022. His impressive performance in the Dhaka Premier League has earned him a spot in the squad. He has scored one century and two half-centuries in five matches, along with taking 11 wickets at an average of 16.27 with his off-spin bowling. Nurul has been brought back to strengthen the middle order, as Mahidul and Afif did not meet the selectors’ expectations.
Their return comes at a crucial time, as Bangladesh’s batting has struggled in recent ODIs against Pakistan and New Zealand. Only Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto have consistently scored runs, while Saif Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz have failed to replicate their previous good performances.
The pace attack will be led by Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam. Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, who has played in the Big Bash League, will add variety to the bowling lineup, being well-acquainted with Australian batsmen.
In their previous encounters, Bangladesh and Australia have played 22 ODIs, with Australia dominating the series. Australia has won 20 matches, while Bangladesh has claimed just one victory, with one match ending in no result.
The first ODI between Bangladesh and Australia will take place on June 9, followed by the second match on June 11. The third match is scheduled for June 14, all to be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. Following the ODIs, both teams will compete in a three-match T20 series from June 17 to June 21.
Bangladesh’s squad for the first two ODIs includes: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hasan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Liton Das, Mosaddek Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Nahid Rana.
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