Miraz backs Mosaddek recall, sees value in all-round depth

Bangladesh ODI skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz said Monday that it is the right time for seasoned campaigner Mosaddek Hossain to return to the team's 50-over setup.

Mosaddek earned a recall after four years, having been named in the 15-member squad for the opening two matches of the series against Australia. The 30-year-old forced his way back with impressive domestic performances, scoring 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. He also picked up 12 wickets in seven innings.

"He has been performing in domestic cricket for many years and is in shape. I think this is the right time for him," said Miraz. "If he can do well in the role we have envisioned, it will be much better for the team."

Miraz added that despite both players possessing similar skill sets, he does not foresee issues. "Mosaddek and I have played together for Bangladesh for many years, even in the 2019 World Cup. Mosaddek is a batting all-rounder, while I am a bowling all-rounder. If he can perform, it will be a huge help for me and the team."

Miraz noted that Mosaddek's offspin could provide a valuable sixth bowling option. "If we have that kind of option, it helps the team a lot. When you play with five bowlers and have an extra bowling option, you feel much more confident. Having a backup bowler keeps the team balance very good."

Miraz also suggested leg-spinner Rishad Hossain still has room to develop his ODI game. Rishad enjoyed a productive Big Bash League stint, finishing as joint-highest wicket-taking spinner with 15 wickets, but has been underutilised in the 50-over format recently.

"Rishad is playing domestic cricket and various franchise leagues. He is becoming more confident. If he wants to establish himself, he will have to perform even better. Franchise T20 and ODI cricket are two different games. In ODIs, sometimes you need to control the run rate and sometimes you need wickets. He still has areas to improve."

Miraz insisted Bangladesh are not taking anything for granted against a depleted Australian squad. Australia arrived without Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, and have been further weakened by the absence of captain Mitchell Marsh (ankle injury) and Travis Head (personal leave). Josh Inglis will continue as stand-in captain.

"We are treating them as a very good side with a strong squad," Miraz said. "We will try to perform at our highest level without overthinking. Our plan is simple: play good cricket and win matches."

Bangladesh head into the contest on the back of successive home series victories over the West Indies, Pakistan and New Zealand. The two sides last met in a bilateral ODI series in 2011.

"This is a huge opportunity for us, especially since we are playing Australia after so many years. As it is on our home ground, it will be a great achievement if we can make the most of that advantage," he added.

The opening match of the three-game ODI series is at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Tuesday.