Mosaddek Hossain, Nurul Hasan recalled for first two Australia ODIs

All-rounder Mosaddek Hossain has earned a recall to the ODI setup, included in the 15-member squad for the first two games of the 3-match series against Australia. The squad was announced by the Bangladesh Cricket Board on Wednesday, June 3, with Mosaddek returning after a gap of nearly four years.

Mosaddek, who last played an ODI in August 2022, earned his recall on the back of impressive performances for Abahani Limited in the ongoing Dhaka Premier League. The 30-year-old scored 310 runs in six innings at an average of 77.50 and a strike-rate of 129.17, including one century and two half-centuries, while also claiming 12 wickets in seven innings.

Wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan Sohan has also returned after missing the previous ODI series against New Zealand in April. The selectors omitted batters Afif Hossain and Mahidul Islam Ankon from that squad.

"We feel that we were unable to give Ankon enough opportunities. And in Afif's case, I cannot say he has had enough chances. But at this moment, we are making some tactical changes," chief selector Habibul Bashar said.

"We feel that where we are considering Mosaddek to bat – where Afif used to bat at number six – Mosaddek is in very good batting form. He is an experienced player, and we can also utilize his all-round ability. If he comes into the side, our balance improves," he said.

"At number six, we sometimes feel a shortage of bowling options. I believe Mosaddek can cover that role very well."

Bashar also elaborated on Nurul Hasan's inclusion, citing the need for a wicketkeeper-batter who could bat at No. 6 or 7. "Ankon is a top-order batter in the Premier League, usually batting at four or five. Sohan bats at six and seven. We feel Sohan is more skilled for that role."

The three-match series begins on June 9, with the second and third matches on June 11 and 14. All matches will be played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.

Bangladesh squad for 1st & 2nd ODI vs Australia: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Mosaddek Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.