17 March 2008

The Bangladesh squad for the three-match Ispahani Tea ODI Series 2008 against Ireland was announced and batsman Aftab Ahmed, who hasn't played since being struck by a bouncer from South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis in the second Test at Chittagong on 02 March 2008, returns to the squad. Also recalled was all-rounder Mahmudullah Riyad. There was no room for left-arm paceman Syed Rasel and spinner Musharraf Hossain.

"Aftab is a mainstay in our middle-order and one of the more experienced members of the side. He has been declared hundred percent fit by the physio. His medium pace bowling will also be useful," said chief selector Rafiqul Alam.

"Riyad brings in a bit of variation as he bowls off-spin. He is also a capable batsman. Musharraf hasn't done what we expected from him against South Africa and Rasel I would say was unlucky as we could only pick a squad of 14. We have kept Shahadat Hossain as cover for Mashrafe Bin Mortaza but as we are playing at home we can always call up whoever we feel is needed and that could be Rasel even."

"We have gone for a team that has a lot of options in bowling, especially with the spin attack. The fact that batsmen like Shakib (Al Hasan) and Riyad can be considered as front-line spinners as well is an added advantage for us," added the chief selector.

Bangladesh: Mohammad Ashraful (captain), Mashrafe Mortaza (vice-captain), Tamim Iqbal, Junaid Siddique, Aftab Ahmed, Nazim Uddin, Shahriar Nafees, Shakib Al Hasan, Dhiman Ghosh (wicket-keeper), Abdur Razzak, Shahadat Hossain, Mahmadullah Riyad, Farhad Reza, Roqibul Hassan

© Bangladesh Cricket Board

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Ireland In Bangladesh 2007/8