Mosaddek Hossain returns after four years as Bangladesh announce squad for first two ODIs vs Australia

Batting all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain has been recalled to the Bangladesh setup after four years as chief selector Habibul Bashar named the squad for the first two ODIs versus Australia on Wednesday, June 3.

The selectors have made two changes to the squad that faced New Zealand earlier this year in April. Apart from Mosaddek, Wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan is also back in the side. The former made his last international appearance in November 2022. The last ODI match he played was on August 5, 2022. Mosaddek (30) has played four Tests, 43 ODIs, and 33 T20Is so far. Meanwhile, Nurul’s (32) last ODI match was on October 10, 2023, against the West Indies.

Another major talking point involves Bangladesh’s seam-bowling attack, which includes Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam. The former was very impressive during the New Zealand series, picking up eight wickets, including his second five-wicket haul in ODI cricket.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz will continue leading the Bangladesh team in the 50-over format. Meanwhile, Bashar explained the thought process behind some of the selections.

“We couldn’t provide Afif and Mahidul with lot of opportunities. Replacing them is a tactical change. Mosaddek could bat at No. 6. He is in good form. He has more skills to offer. He is in good form in the DPL. He also has all-round ability. He bowls quite well. He could offer a balance for us in the middle-order,” chief selector Habibul Bashar said.

“Nurul Hasan is replacing Mahidul because the latter is a top-order batter. Nurul bats around No. 6 or 7 as a wicketkeeper-batter. We believe Nurul is more skillful in that position,” he added.

Meanwhile, batters Afif Hossain and Mahidul Islam Ankon miss out from the squad that faced New Zealand earlier this year.

Bangladesh and Australia will be playing three ODIs in Dhaka and as many T20Is in Chattogram this month. The first and second ODI will be played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on June 9 and 11, respectively.

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