Bangladesh has recalled batting all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain after four years, as chief selector Habibul Bashar announced the squad for the first two ODIs against Australia on Wednesday, June 3.
The team sees two changes from the squad that faced New Zealand in April. Apart from Mosaddek, wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan is also back. Mosaddek last played internationally in November 2022, with his last ODI on August 5, 2022. He has played four Tests, 43 ODIs, and 33 T20Is so far. Nurul’s most recent ODI was on October 10, 2023, against the West Indies.
A key focus is Bangladesh’s seam-bowling lineup, featuring Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam. Nahid impressed in the New Zealand series, taking eight wickets, including a five-wicket haul.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz will continue to lead the Bangladesh team in ODIs. Bashar discussed the reasoning behind some selections.
“We couldn’t provide Afif and Mahidul with many opportunities. Their replacements reflect a tactical change. Mosaddek could bat at No. 6, is in good form, and offers more skills. He also has all-round capability, which adds balance to our middle-order,” said chief selector Habibul Bashar.
“Nurul Hasan replaces Mahidul since he typically bats at No. 6 or 7 as a wicketkeeper-batter. We believe Nurul is more skillful in that position,” he added.
Batters Afif Hossain and Mahidul Islam Ankon will not be part of the squad that played against New Zealand earlier this year.
Bangladesh and Australia are set to play three ODIs in Dhaka and three T20Is in Chattogram this month. The first two ODIs will take place at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on June 9 and 11.