Bangladesh have brought all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain back into their ODI mix, naming him in a 15-man squad for the opening two matches of a three-game series against Australia. The Bangladesh Cricket Board announced the group on Wednesday, June 3, marking Mosaddek’s return to the ODI setup after a near four-year absence. His last ODI appearance came in August 2022.
Mosaddek’s ODI return after a strong Dhaka Premier League
Mosaddek’s recall is tied to his standout run for Abahani Limited in the ongoing Dhaka Premier League, Bangladesh’s traditional List A competition. The 30-year-old has made an impact with both bat and ball, producing numbers that have helped him force his way back into the national ODI frame.
- He has scored 310 runs in six innings at an average of 77.50, striking at 129.17.
- His DPL form includes one century and two half-centuries.
- With the ball, he has taken 12 wickets in seven innings.
Why Nurul Hasan Sohan is back, and who misses out
Wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan Sohan has also returned to the ODI squad, having missed Bangladesh’s previous ODI series against New Zealand in April. For this Australia assignment, selectors have made changes from the team that played the New Zealand ODIs, leaving out batters Afif Hossain and Mahidul Islam Ankon.
Chief selector Habibul Bashar explained the reasoning behind the two exclusions, while also outlining the tactical thinking that has driven the selections.
Selector Habibul Bashar on the tactical reshuffle
Bashar said Bangladesh felt they could not give Ankon enough opportunities, while Afif also warranted more chances. However, he noted that the current squad adjustments are part of a broader tactical plan for the Australia series.
- Bashar acknowledged that Ankon did not receive sufficient chances in the previous setup.
- He also stated that Afif Hossain deserved more opportunities, but the selectors have moved to make changes now.
On Mosaddek’s role, Bashar pointed to where he would bat in the order and how his skill set can improve the team’s balance.
- Bashar said Mosaddek is in strong batting form for the position where Afif previously batted at No. 6.
- He believes Mosaddek’s skill level at No. 6 can be more useful to the side.
- Bashar highlighted Mosaddek’s experience, noting he has played before and is performing well in the Premier League.
- He added that Bangladesh can use Mosaddek’s all-round capabilities, including his bowling, to strengthen balance if he comes into the XI.
Bashar further justified the decision by referencing Bangladesh’s usual batting structure and the need for bowling options in the middle phase of an innings.
- He said Bangladesh typically operate with five specialist batters.
- He suggested that at No. 6, the team sometimes lacks bowling depth.
- In that context, Bashar believes Mosaddek can cover the role effectively with both batting and bowling.
Regarding Sohan’s inclusion, Bashar said the key is having a wicketkeeper-batter who can bat at No. 6 or 7. He contrasted Sohan’s typical batting position with Ankon’s role in domestic matches.
- Bashar said Ankon is generally a top-order player in the Premier League, usually batting at No. 4 or 5.
- He said Sohan bats at No. 6 and 7 in the Premier League.
- The selectors, Bashar added, want a wicketkeeper-batter suited to No. 6 or 7, and they believe Sohan fits that requirement better.
Series schedule and Bangladesh squad
The three-match ODI series begins on June 9. The second and third games are scheduled for June 11 and June 14, respectively, with every match set to be played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.
Bangladesh squad for 1st & 2nd ODI vs Australia: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Mosaddek Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana.
