Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib wants to see ‘team performance’
Newly appointed Bangladesh Test captain Shakib Al Hasan said he seeks the players will perform as a team in the series against the West Indies starting on Thursday at Antigua.
Shakib took over the role of the Test captain after previous captain Mominul Haque decided to step aside after failing to find a rhythm in captaincy. In the last series at home against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh lost 1-0 in two-match Test competition.
“I’m looking for a team performance in this series,” Shakib told the reporters ahead of the first match. “We haven’t been able to play well in Tests recently. So this series is a great chance for us to prove everyone wrong and play well. We have to take a good performance from this Test.”
The allrounder said he is not worried about his individual performance as he has done well against Sri Lanka at home.
Also read: Siddons backs Shakib as captain
In the last tour to the West Indies in 2018, Bangladesh failed to do well. But Shakib believes the situation is better now for Bangladesh and they are upbeat to display a good brand of cricket.
The Bangladesh captain also said the wicket of Antigua looks completely different than he saw it earlier.
“The wicket looks good to me. It would help the batters early on, but batting may get tough in the fourth innings of the match when spinners should come into the effect,” Shakib said.
Bangladesh will not get the service of the veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim who opted to not play this series for personal reasons.
The visitors also lost Yasir Ali Rabbi, a middle-order batter, due to a back injury that he sustained during the tour match.
Also read: Shakib Al Hasan's Captaincy Record in Test Cricket: An Overview
To replace him, Bangladesh called in Anamul Haque Bijoy to the Test side after eight years. Anamul played his last Test in the venue where Bangladesh will play the second Test of this series— Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia.
In this four-Test career, Anamul scored only 73 runs with the best of 22 runs. However, he has done well in First-class cricket since his last omission from the Test team in 2014. He will be available to play Tests ahead of the second match that would begin on June 24.
He is now the youngest Bangladeshi batter to have scored 7000 or more runs in First-class cricket. He also has 22 centuries and 37 half-centuries in First-class cricket.
Mustafizur Rahman, the left-arm pacer, is set to return to Test after a while. The pacer was not willing to play in the longer format of the game. But the team management convinced him to do so.
Meanwhile, Bangladeshi fans might not be able to watch the Test series on television as no channel has shown interest to broadcast the game in Bangladesh. In that case, the spectators might need to turn to the internet to watch the game through alternative channels.
The two-match Test series is a part of the ongoing cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.
Apart from two Tests, Bangladesh will take on the hosts in a three-match ODI and three-match T20I series on this tour.
Shakib re-appointed as Test captain
Star allrounder Shakib Al Hasan has been re-appointed as the Test captain of the Bangladesh cricket team. He will now take over the charge from Mominul Haque who recently said he is not willing to continue in the role after the recent failure in the series against Sri Lanka at home.
While Shakib is appointed as the new captain, Liton Das, the wicketkeeper-bater will play the role of his deputy. Liton has previously led Bangladesh in T20I as an interim captain in New Zealand.
This is the second time when Shakib is set to lead the Tigers in Tests. In his first tenure, he led Bangladesh in 14 Tests and won three matches with 11 defeats.
Also read: Mominul reluctant to continue as Test captain; informs BCB
The allrounder also led Bangladesh in 71 limited-over matches.
Shakib was removed from the captaincy in 2019 when he was banned for two years, with one year suspension, due to failing to report corrupt approaches made to him. After that, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had appointed Mominul as the captain of Test team.
Also read:Cricketer Mominul on verge of losing captaincy
Shakib takes five after Sri Lanka secure lead of 141
Shakib Al Hasan once again registered a five-wicket haul in Tests taking five for 96 in the Dhaka Test against Sri Lanka on Thursday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
It was Shakib’s 19th five-wicket haul in the format. His last five-wicket haul in Test was in 2018 against West Indies in Kingston. It was Shakib’s longest period of time between two five-wicket hauls in Tests.
However, Sri Lanka managed to secure a 141-run first-innings lead riding on the centuries of Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal.
Also read: Sri Lanka continue thriving as Mathews, Chandimal hit tons
Chandimal fell for 124, but Mathews remained unbeaten for 145. For Bangladesh, Shakib bagged five and Ebadot Hossain took four.
Dhaka Test: Sri Lanka go to lunch at 210/4
Ebadot Hossain and Shakib Al Hasan bagged one wicket each in the first session of day 3 of the Dhaka Test.
Sri Lanka went to lunch at 210 for four, just as showers began. Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva were at the crease with 25 and 30 runs, respectively.
The visitors are trailing by 155 runs in reply to Bangladesh’s first innings of 365.
Bangladesh won the toss in this match and batted first. Six of their batters failed to score anything on the board. But Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das put up a stand of 272 runs with a century each that guided the Tigers to a challenging total.
Also read:Dhaka Test: Bangladesh end first innings on 365
Liton fell for 141 but Mushfiqur remained unbeaten for 175.
For Sri Lanka, Kasun Rajitha bagged five wickets — his maiden five-wicket haul in the format
Also read:Day 2 of Dhaka Test: Liton, Mosaddek depart early
Shakib to play first Test vs Sri Lanka
Left-handed allrounder Shakib Al Hasan will play the first Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka starting from Sunday, confirmed Mominul Haque, the Test captain of Bangladesh.
Shakib had tested positive for Covid-19 last week, and he recovered quickly as he tested negative on Friday. The allrounder joined the team on Friday evening.
“Shakib was spontaneous in the practice session this morning,” Mominul said in the pre-series press conference in Chattogram. “I don't think he has any reason not to play. He will play.”
Also read: Domingo reluctant to play ‘unfit’ Shakib
Until the confirmation from the captain, it was uncertain about Shakib’s availability for the first Test. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials have earlier hinted that the allrounder will not be playing the first Test.
Shakib was seen to have discussions with the coaches and teammates during Saturday's practice session. He was also seen as comfortable batting at the nets.
Shakib’s participation will surely boost the confidence of the Tigers ahead of a series which is important for them to gather some important points.
Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo had earlier said that he doesn’t want Shakib to play if the allrounder is not fully fit. But the comments of the captain proved that the coach is happy with the fitness that Shakib showed in the practice session.
Shakib missed Bangladesh’s last Test series against South Africa when he had to leave the team to join his family members who were hospitalized due to different illnesses. However, Shakib took part in the ODI series in South Africa and Bangladesh won 2-1.
Also read: Covid-negative Shakib 'available for first Test vs Sri Lanka'
This series is a part of the ongoing cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. Bangladesh played six matches in this event so far and won only one match against New Zealand earlier this year.
Shakib to play for Legends of Rupganj in Dhaka League
Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan is set to play for the Legends of Rupganj in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League’s Super League phase.
The allrounder was initially roped in by the Mohammedan Sporting Club who failed to qualify for this stage of the event.
Also read: Masrahfe praises Shakib for his sacrifice
Mohammedan sources confirmed that they have issued a no-objection certificate to Shakib so that he can play Dhaka league for another club.
However, Mohammedan will be eligible to retain Shakib in the next season of the lageu, says AGM Sabbir, a director of Mohammedan.
Shakib did not feature for Mohammedan in any match. According to the laws of the league, if a player does not feature in the league for his team and if the team fails to qualify for a phase, the player can play for any team he wants.
The allrounder last played in the ODI series against South Africa. He had to return home ahead of the Test series due to a family emergency. He did not participate in the Test series.
Also read: Shakib Al Hasan’s approaching milestone ahead of SA vs BAN series 2022
Before Shakib, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz decided to play the Super League for Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club. Both Mushfiqur and Mehidy were also part of the Mohammedand and they were also unable to feature for Mohammedan for their participation in the South Africa series.
A total of six clubs— Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, Legends of Rupganj, Abahani Limited, Prime Bank Cricket Club, Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club and Gazi Group Cricketers— will participate in this phase of the Dhaka league.
Masrahfe praises Shakib for his sacrifice
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, the former captain of Bangladesh, has praised Shakib Al Hasan for the sacrifice he made during the South Africa series.
Before the third match of the series, five members of Shakib’s family were hospitalized for different illnesses. It was expected that Shakib would return home to stay with his family. But the allrounder preferred to stay with the team for the series-deciding third and last match.
Read: Shakib set to return home from South Africa
“We have to see the sacrifice that Shakib made in this series,” Masrhafe said on Sunday. “He was free to return home, but he stayed with the team and supported the team.”
Bangladesh eventually won the last match of the series against South Africa and won the series as well— their first in South Africa.
“The biggest thing is Shakib’s desire to win the series. Hats off to Shakib (for what he has done)! He managed two sides in a great way,” Mashrafe added.
Read:Shakib to continue playing in SA despite family issues
Earlier, Shakib was reluctant to tour South Africa due to, as he said, mental fatigue. But he eventually travelled with the team and won the player of the match award in the first match of the series.
The allrounder is currently at home. But he is expected to join the national team for the second Test starting on April 8 at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth.
Shakib set to return home from South Africa
Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan is returning home from South Africa. He is expected to take a flight on Thursday, confirmed Tanvir Ahmed, chairman of the media department of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Along with his two children, at least four members of Shakib’s family are hospitalized for different illnesses. Shakib wants to stay with his family during this time.
The allrounder is expected to fly for South Africa ahead of the second Test against the hosts starting from April 7 in Porth Elizabeth. However, he is going to miss the first Test starting from March 31.
Also read Imperious Tigers complete historic series win in South Africa
The Bangladesh team won their maiden ODI series in South Africa on Tuesday. Shakib was one of the mainstays in this series for the Tigers. He was awarded the player of the match for his fifty in the first match Bangladesh won by 38 runs.
The allrounder was uncertain in this series. Right before the series, Shakib had said that he was unable to play international cricket for some mental issues. He was granted a two-month break from BCB too. But he changed his mind and opted to take part in this series.
Meanwhile, with winning the ODI series in South Africa, Bangladesh secured their place at the top of the ICC World Cup Super League points table.
Also read: Tigers Create Path-Breaking history in South Africa by Conquering Proteas in the ODI series decider
Shakib to continue playing in SA despite family issues
Although five members of Shakib Al Hasan’s family are hospitalized due to different illnesses the allrounder is willing to continue playing in South Africa, said Jalal Yunus, the chairman of the cricket operation department of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Shakib’s mother, mother- in-law, his three children are also suffering from different illnesses. But none of them is in critical condition.
“Shakib wants to continue playing for now,” Jalal told the media. “I have talked to Shakib. For now, we are keeping an eye on the situation.”
Read: PAK vs AUS Test Series 2022: Pakistan, Australia face off in series decider in Lahore
Shakib was reluctant to travel to South Africa for this series even after the squad was announced by the board. Shakib had said that he is not fit mentally to play international cricket. The board had accepted a two-month leave for him as well.
But eventually, Shakib changed his mind and travelled to South Africa. He won the player of the match award as well in the first match of the series which was Bangladesh’s maiden win in South Africa against South Africa.
After the three-match ODI series, the Bangladesh team is scheduled to take on the Proteas in a two-match Test series. Shakib is also a part of the Test squad.
Shakib to play all matches during SA tour: Tamim
Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was reluctant to tour South Africa despite being named in the squad.
He, however, changed his mind, went to South Africa and joined the team after rounds of drama.
Ahead of the first ODI of the series, Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal said Shakib will play all the matches.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hasan has earlier said that Shakib may not play all the matches as his mental condition is not good and, therefore, he might skip one or two matches.
Read: Bangladesh eager to change history in South Africa: Tamim
“I know nothing about it,” Tamim said. “What I know is Shakib is here to play all the matches for Bangladesh. We have had a normal cricketing discussion- how we can play good cricket and things like that. He is eager to take to the field.”
During the Afghanistan series at home, Nazmul had said that Shakib would tour South Africa. The all-rounder also was included in the squads for both ODIs and Tests.
But a few days before travelling to South Africa, Shakib said he is not in a good mental situation to play international cricket. He also said that he is going to take a break from cricket. Following that, Jalal Yunus, the chairman of the cricket operation department of BCB said the board has rested Shakib for two months.
Read: “Underdogs” Bangladesh aim to create history in South Africa
In a dramatic move, the board hosted a press conference with Shakib and said the all-rounder is going to play in South Africa. In that press conference, Nazmul had mentioned that Shakib may skip one or two matches during this tour.
After the three-match ODI series, Bangladesh and South Africa will take on each other in a two-match Test series as well.