Tigers to miss Shakib badly in South Africa

While Shakib Al Hasan’s break from the Test series in South Africa still remain in the centre of discussion with the cricket fraternity sharply dividing over the issue, captain for Bangladesh’s longer version format Mushfiqur Rahim apparently took a dig on the ace all-rounder.

As he was asked whether Shakib’s break created an example of considering a break, Mushfiqur Rahim is believed to poke him with a smile on his face by saying, “I haven't become such a big player that I will need a break.”

The statement itself gave an indication that the skipper perhaps wasn’t happy with the break the premier all-rounder and the most experienced player of the country took when the team is going to a place where every team finds them in tricky state.

Mushfiqur heard about Shakib’s request for the break - an unprecedented move in Bangladesh cricket - only when the all-rounder informed the board president.

However Mushfiqur also said that those are going to replace Shakib have a great opportunity in front of them in South Africa. "We need two players to replace Shakib. It is a bad news for a captain that the No. 1 player is missing. But those who will play in his place have a great opportunity in front of them. We played without Shakib against West Indies, Zimbabwe and New Zealand and we won, but we will still miss him. I hope he can use the break to recover fully.

“I heard about it when he spoke to the board president. I prepared mentally, but you cannot replace him. Cricket is a team game. If we can play as a team, we can do well,” he said.

Shakib was the player amongst the six which played Test series last time when Bangladesh toured South Africa in November 2008. Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Imrul Kayes, Mahmudullha Riyad and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza were the other players. Mashrafe currently hasn’t been playing Test cricket while Kayes who made debut in South Africa that year isn’t in form. Riyad also would make a comeback.

No bowlers however had the experience to play in South Africa, meaning Shakib Al Hasan’s presence was badly needed in Test side at the moment. Despite having a seaming condition, Shakib bagged a five-for in his first tour in South Africa.

 

Tigers to miss Shakib badly in South Africa

While Shakib Al Hasans break from the Test series in South Africa still remain in the centre of discussion with the cricket fraternity sharply dividing over the issue, captain for Bangladeshs longer version format Mushfiqur Rahim apparently took a dig on the ace all-rounder. As he was asked whether Shakibs break created an example of considering a break, Mushfiqur Rahim is believed to poke him with a smile on his face by saying, I havent become such a big player that I will need a break. The statement itself gave an indication that the skipper perhaps wasnt happy with the break the premier all-rounder and the most experienced player of the country took when the team is going to a place where every team finds them in tricky state. Mushfiqur heard about Shakibs request for the break - an unprecedented move in Bangladesh cricket - only when the all-rounder informed the board president. However Mushfiqur also said that those are going to replace Shakib have a great opportunity in front of them in South Africa. We need two players to replace Shakib. It is a bad news for a captain that the No. 1 player is missing. But those who will play in his place have a great opportunity in front of them. We played without Shakib against West Indies, Zimbabwe and New Zealand and we won, but we will still miss him. I hope he can use the break to recover fully. I heard about it when he spoke to the board president. I prepared mentally, but you cannot replace him. Cricket is a team game. If we can play as a team, we can do well, he said. Shakib was the player amongst the six which played Test series last time when Bangladesh toured South Africa in November 2008. Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Imrul Kayes, Mahmudullha Riyad and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza were the other players. Mashrafe currently hasnt been playing Test cricket while Kayes who made debut in South Africa that year isnt in form. Riyad also would make a comeback. No bowlers however had the experience to play in South Africa, meaning Shakib Al Hasans presence was badly needed in Test side at the moment. Despite having a seaming condition, Shakib bagged a five-for in his first tour in South Africa.