BCB announces Bangladesh's 15-member squad for ICC World Cup 2019
The ICC World Cup 2019 is just over a month away and the participating countries have started announcing their final squad for the tournament. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Bangladesh became the fourth team to announce their 15-member squad. While the squad is mostly filled with familiar faces, it has a debutant in the form of Abu Jayed. Here are further details about the squad.
Just three specialist batsmen
Starting with the batting department, the side will have the services of veteran opener Tamim Iqbal, along with Soumya Sarkar. The pair can give a solid start against any attack. However, apart from this pair, they have only one other specialist batsman in the form of Sabbir Rahman. He usually bats in the middle-order. Selecting only three specialist batsmen looks a risky strategy.
Three specialist wicket-keeper batsmen find their names in squad
As for the wicket-keeping department, the side has three options. While Mushfiqur Rahim has to be in the playing XI, courtesy his fine skills in both departments, Liton Das too could get game time to bolster their batting. However, the chances of Mohammad Mithun making it to the final team look bleak as he would mostly act like a back-up.
With five all-rounders, Bangladesh look deadly
It just keeps getting better for Bangladesh as they have chosen to go ahead with five all-rounders. Starting with the likes of Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, these three are most likely to make it to the squad, due to their experience and consistent performance. Mohammad Saifuddin and Mosaddek Hossain mostly would act as their back-up options.
Four bowlers in 15-member team
With five all-rounders and four bowlers, the side is packed with several weapons in their arsenal. Among bowlers, skipper Mashrafe Mortaza and Mustafizur Rahman are likely to headline the pace department, along with Rubel Hossain. Rookie pacer Abu Jayed is all but a back-up for them. With no specialist spinners in the side, they would heavily on all-rounders Shakib and Mehidy.