ZCZC
BSP-19
CRICKET-MAHMUDULLAH
Expectation high on Mahmudullah in absence of Shakib
DHAKA, July 17, 2019 (BSS) – Bangladesh national team’s interim coach Khaled Mahmud Sujon insisted Mahmudullah Riyad would have to take the bulk of the responsibility in the team’s three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, later this month, in absence of the team’s ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.
Mahmudullah is never an influential all-rounder like Shakib but alongside his batting, he can deliver some good overs in bowling with his wily off-spin. However due to a shoulder injury during the New Zealand series in February, he gave up bowling.
As he further injured at the same place during the World Cup, it is unlikely he would bowl in Sri Lanka series also. But Mahmud said he can compensate it in batting as he has the chance to bat in at higher position in absence of Shakib.
Mahmudullah in fact was craving for to bat at higher position and Shakib’s absence creates the opportunity.
“Riyad [Mahmudullah] didn’t bowl in the World Cup too. He played as a batsman. He didn’t even think about his bowling because he has some problem,” Mahmud said here on Wednesday.
But whether he bats or ball, Mahmud thinks contribution of an experienced player like Mahmudullah is very important for Bangladesh team.
“He [Mahmudullah] is a very experienced cricketer. As Shakib is not in the squad, I hope he plays as fully fit. We need an experienced cricketer like him,” Mahmud added.
Even though Mahmudullah couldn’t bowl, Mahmud has no problem as he kept faith on Mosaddek Hossain’s off-spin.
Mosaddek bowled some economical overs for Bangladesh in the World Cup taking three wickets in seven matches. He is third in the economy column among the Bangladeshi bowlers. Mahmud think Mosaddek is capable of taking the responsibility.
“But I think Mosaddek has taken his [Mahmdullah] responsibility in bowling. It’s a good sign for us,” he concluded.
BSS/SMP/SMM/1905 hrs