Walsh welcomes a fit Shakib in squad
Bangladesh meet SL in a do or die match today
Sports Reporter, Ctg
Ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is likely to make a room in the first XI despite having any match-practice after his finger injury as Bangladesh take on Sri Lanka in a do-or-die match of the Nidahas Trophy Tri-nation T20 International series today at the R Premadasa Stadium. The match will start 7.30pm (BST).
Shakib who was in the rehab following his advance treatment in Australia joined the team yesterday after getting an urgent call from the team management but question raised whether it was a hurried call and disturbed the procedure of his recovery.
Teams interim coach Courtney Walsh refused to term Shakibs call as a surprise as he claimed that they were mentally prepared to welcome his inclusion into the side.
We were ready to welcome a fit again Shakib. He was the part of the team and was with the team before going to Australia. We knew if he could be fit for play, he will be included into the side, said Walsh.
What he didnt reveal that Bangladesh desperately need the service of the all-rounder in the match what turned out to be unofficial semi-final. Shakibs absence was seriously felt when Bangladesh tried to unleash a combination for each and every game. They made a solution with six batsmen and five bowlers strategy that didnt work properly.
Shakibs inclusion meant Bangladesh would get extra batsman in the squad in todays game. Left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam Opu is likely to pave his way if Shakib plays the game.
Well observe his progress and will see whether he has the proper fitness to play the game. If he is fully fit, he will get the nod to play, Walsh informed.
But still the question remains whether he will lead the team and if he leads whether he can adjust with the teams strategy and plan. Walsh doesnt see any problem in it.
There is no concern here. Whatever the decision is, well take for the best interest of the team.
Bangladesh Cricket Board could not immediately confirm if Shakib would return as captain if he was included in the final eleven.
The boards president and several directors were in Sri Lanka and would decide on the captaincy, said BCB spokesman Jalal Yunus.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka coach Chandika Hathurusingha said it would be a desperate measure to put Shakib on the field before he was ready.
If he is really fit, then I think they have advantage, because he is the worlds number one all-rounder and we all know that he is a quality player, he told reporters.
Whether he is fully fit or play the game, Shakibs return is considered as timely boost for the team which came off a 17-run defeat to India, just after their epic record-chase victory against Sri Lanka.
Defeat against India actually was a shocking loss when batting second in the pitch is easier in Premadas Stadium. But the Indias control bowling and an experienced batsmans absence in the top order made Bangladesh heavily pay. This was where the team management felt Shakibs inclusion urgently.
Moreover Sri Lanka will be in pressure to move into the final in the tournament that they are hosting. Therefore Shakibs inclusion also would wary them ahead of the crucial game.
Bangladesh may bring up just once change to the squad if Shakib plays but Sri Lanka might ponder more than one change, specially after their bowlers failed to bowl well in tandem.
Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Pradeep have missed lengths at crucial moments while Suranga Lakmal hasnt been convincing in his only appearance. Isuru Udana, who bowled decently in the T20s in Bangladesh last month, could get a look-in. They will also expect Akila Dananjaya and Thisara Perera to slow things down.
