Bangladesh announces ODI squad for Sri Lanka series, marks return of veteran after two years

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. Left-handed opener Naeem Sheikh has returned to the ODI team after almost two years. The ODI series is to be played from July 2-8, with the first two ODIs to be held in Colombo, while the last match will be held in Pallekele.

Apart from Naim, players like Liton Das, Shamim Patwari, Tanvir Islam and Hasan Mahmud have also returned to the ODI team. Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah from the previous team that played in the Champions Trophy have retired from ODI cricket. Fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman have also returned to the national team after missing out on T20Is due to their respective injuries.

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Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain emphasized that senior batter Litton Das deserved an opportunity to regain his spot in the ODI team.

“Litton Das was in a bad patch but time is the best healer. He is the T20 captain, so we can consider him till the next T20 World Cup. If someone has to return to form, it is best to spend a long time in the middle. We feel that Litton can take his form from ODIs to T20Is,”said Ashraf.

Naeem Sheikh has returned to the team after two years. Naeem has played eight ODIs so far and has scored 95 runs since making his debut against Zimbabwe in Sylhet in March 2020. BCB chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hussain said, I think he has changed his batting intention and pattern and this is what we are expecting from the third opener because Tamim and Imon bat in the same way and we are looking for someone who bats with similar aggression.

Soumya Sarkar and Nasum Ahmed have been left out of the squad. Chief selector Ghazi Ashraf Hussain said that Soumya, who also missed the Pakistan T20I series, could not retain his place as he was injured for most of last year while back spasms are still a concern for him.

Bangladesh ODI Squad vs Sri Lanka: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud.