ZCZC
BSP-26
CRICKET-KHALED-TEST
Pacer Khaled eying Test cricket return
DHAKA, Dec 5, 2020 (BSS)-Young fast bowler Syed Khaled Ahmed is eying a return to Test cricket by doing something extraordinary in the ongoing Bangabandhu T20 Cup.
Khaled initially was not picked up by any team in the players’ draft and only got the opportunity to play the tournament for Gemcon Khulna due to the injury of Shafiul Islam.
The pacer was out of the field for a long time due to injury. He in fact was out of action for more than a year after the Test against New Zealand in February 2019. He returned to the game with the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) in March this year. But again he had to be unlucky as the Covid-19 pandemic forced the postponement of the league.
He later returned to the field with the BCB President’s Cup in which he played two matches but was unable to impress anybody else with his bowling.
Khaled has played two Tests and considered as the Test bowler but the pacer got a place in Test team by doing well in the BPL T20 Khulna Titans in 2016. He has taken 19 wickets in 18 T20 matches. Khaled played for Chittagong Vikings in 2019 Bangabandhu BPL.
“Of course I have plans for the Tests. I was out of the team for a long time due to injury. At the moment I am fully prepared to play cricket at any level,” he said here today.
“I know I have to do something very good in Bangabandhu T20 Cup if I want to make me available in the Bangladesh Test squad for West Indies series. I will try to do something good if I get a chance to play match.”
Shafiul was able to play the first two matches of Bangabandhu T20 Cup. He took two wickets in the first match against Barisal but went wicket-less in the second game.
The pacer was ruled out with a back injury. Khaled, who got a place in Gemcon Khulna, replacing Shafiul wants to make the chance count.
“It feels good to have the opportunity. When I was at home, I was in practice. Hopefully, there will be no problem and I will be able to use the opportunity,” he added.
BSS/SMP/MMA/1851HRS