With the ICC Cricket World Cup not too far, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is set to announce the 15-member squad of the Tigers who will fight in the biggest cricketing event from May 30 to July 14 this year.
Bangladesh’s chief selector Minhazul Abedin Nannu has hinted that they are reluctant to test new faces in the World Cup. However, he did not rule out the chance for one or two newbies to be included in the squad.
In recent comments to the media, BCB president Nazmul Hassan said he does not see any space for new players in the World Cup squad. In setting out his likely 15 names to make it though, he did mention the names of two players who are not part of the national team’s regular set-up though. .
BCB is happy with most of the current national team campaigners as Nazmul Hassan has said to the media. At the same time, they have to rethink the inclusion of some of them..
The top of the order
Tamim Iqbal is probably the first man to ensure a place in the batting line. Along with him, Liton Das can be the second choice to open the innings with Tamim.
Since his splendid ton in the final of the Asia Cup against India, Liton is considered a long time partner of Tamim. However, in the last nine innings after that ton, Liton has passed 50 just once. Despite this poor performance, it is unlikely for Bangladesh to look for a replacement for him at this late stage. .
Imrul Kayes can be the one threat to Liton, but he is out of touch after his excellent knocks during the three-match series against Zimbabwe last year. He displayed dismal performance in the last season of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) as well. He even failed to do something notable in the ongoing season of Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPDCL) to claim a place in the national team.
Anamul Haque was another top-order batsman contending for a place in the Bangladesh squad. However, the chief selector has ruled him out in comments to the media.
The other player who might be included for a place in the top order could be Soumya Sarkar. The southpaw played some remarkable innings in the last two home series against Zimbabwe and West Indies. He struck a ton against Zimbabwe and after that, he hit 80 against West Indies in home conditions. He may also bat lower down the order.
Middle-order
The middle order of the Bangladesh team is the most part. The middle order will start with Shakib Al Hasan. Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudllah will come after him.
These three have been playing a big role for the Tigers for a long time now. In the last World Cup in Australia, they helped the Tigers to play the Quarter Final for the first time. They replicated the same act in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, where Bangladesh reached the semis. Bangladesh’s success in the upcoming World Cup will hugely depend on the performance of the middle order of the Tigers.
As the backup for the middle-order, BCB might consider Yasir Ali. He has been doing great in domestic cricket for a long time now. BCB president recently hinted that Yasir might get a chance in the World Cup squad.
Lower-middle order and spinners
Sabbir Rahman, who recently hit his first ODI ton against New Zealand, is the first choice at number seven, provided Shakib al Hasan bats at number 4. Alternatively, if Shakib moves up to number 3, and assuming Mushfiq and Riyad move up with him, Sabbir, and along with him, Mohammad Mithun will be in the limelight for the number 6 spot. Mithun hit back-to-back fifties on the New Zealand tour recently.
Since the condition of England not too helpful for the spinners, Bangladesh will not rely on this department much in the World Cup. Mehidy Miraz would be expected to be included in the squad. If the team management decides to include a specialist spinner in the playing XI, Mohammad Saifuddin might get the chance. So Saifuddin might be part of the World Cup squad of the Tigers.
The pace attack
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, the captain of the ODI team of the Tigers, is in as a pacer. The attack might also include Rubel Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman. As the backup of the attack, the selector might consider Taskin Ahmed who did well in the last season of BPL.
He, however, has been suffering from an injury. Taskin might return to action at the start of April.
Little scope for surprises in Tigers World Cup squad 15-member World Cup squad of the Tigers:
Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Sabbir Rahman, Mohammad Mithun, Yasir Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Muhammad Saifuddin, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed.
