The surprise move was announced in a BCB press release on the eve of the team's departure from Dhaka, two days after the squad for the tour had been released, and comes as a significant snub to Shakib, who led the team with determination during an arduous Test series against England last month.
Khaled Mahmud, the assistant coach and former national captain, admitted he was surprised by the decision, but told Cricinfo that Mashrafe, who was Shakib's immediate predecessor, had always been in contention to reclaim the captaincy, assuming he was able to prove his fitness following his rehabilitation from knee surgery. His first tenure lasted just 6.3 overs before he collapsed mid-over during Bangladesh's famous victory at Kingstown last July.
"Before Shakib became captain, the selectors always said that if Mashrafe could get fit, he might be able to take the job again," said Mahmud. "I'm not sure if it's the right or wrong move, but it's been a tough time for Shakib, whose recent performances, particularly with the bat, have not been up to standard. It's important for Bangladesh that he performs well, and perhaps the pressure of the captaincy is too much. He's still young, while Mashrafe is more mature."
Shakib, 23, was recently ranked as the leading allrounder in international cricket, and he was Bangladesh's leading wicket-taker in the course of their four Tests against England, claiming 17 scalps with his left-arm spin at 36.94. However, his batting fell away badly both in England and at the subsequent Asia Cup, with few glimpses of the ability he had showcased in making his maiden Test century against New Zealand earlier this year.
Nevertheless, the timing of the handover is not ideal, especially given that Shakib and Mashrafe had a falling-out during England's ODI series in Bangladesh back in March. Mashrafe went wicketless during his comeback match at Dhaka, before walking out on the squad ahead of the second ODI - apparently to be by the side of his ailing mother, but in reality because he was about to be dropped.
"The way Mashrafe bowled before his injury, that Mashrafe we might have missed tonight," said Shakib, in the aftermath of a narrow two-wicket defeat in the second match. "But the way he bowled in the last match and the practice match, not really. He needs some time to get back to full confidence and rhythm. He needs to play some games and get match-fit again."
Assuming he is back to full fitness, Mortaza will doubtless be an asset during a one-day tour that comprises three matches against England, two against Ireland and one against Scotland. With 137 ODI wickets in 107 appearances, he is Bangladesh's most prolific strike bowler, and his familiarity with English conditions should enable him to utilise any swing and seam on offer.
Squad Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Shakib Al Hasan (vc), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Junaid Siddique, Raqibul Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Faisal Hossain, Jahurul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Nazmul Hossain, Abdur Razzak, Syed Rasel
from:cricinfo
0 comments:
Post a Comment