BCB to name Test squad after NCL 2nd round
Selection will be based on skill, fitness and performance
SPORTS REPORTER, Dhaka
Giving utmost priority to Bangladeshs upcoming tour of India, national cricket team chief selector Minhajul Abedin Nannu said the squad for the main stream side for the ICC Test Championship will be announced after the second round of the ongoing National Cricket League (NCL), scheduled to start from October 17.
Bangladesh is set to begin ICC Test Championship journey from November where Tigers will play two Test matches against India. Regarding the formation of the squad Nannu said, The squad for the upcoming India tour will be declared after second round of the NCL.
However, BCB the chief selector said, The squad will be covered based on players skill and fitness along with performance. Fitness and performance in the NCL will surely be counted because fitness is much needed for a player to play back to back Test matches. Its not accepted when a bowler fails to bowl in the second innings. This is why we are giving importance to the fitness level to keep an eye on those how long they can bowl in domestic cricket. If they perform well, they will obviously be picked up, Nannu said citing examples of fast bowlers.
Elaborating further on this issue he also voiced concern about countrys fast bowling resources by saying, Weve been in great danger for the last six months considering our fast bolwers injury that raised questions about their fitness. Now the situation has worsened because many of them are injured, almost five among ten. Its also same for the HP team and which is a grave concern to me, Nannu further added.
While winning matches should be on everyones focus against India, who extended ICC Test Championship lead with 200 points and also sealed a record 11 consecutive Test series wins at home after thrashing South Africa in the last two Test matches, Nannu believes the skills and experience of our bowlers can pose threat to India.
I wont say our bowlers are capable of taking 20 wickets at the moment. In abroad its tough for us. But weve to be mentally prepared and play well for five days. If we play well then we can analyze everyday, every sessions result. If our fast bowlers can maintain bowling at right length and deliver 85-87 per cent balls in right areas, they can trouble any batsmen. Our coach is working on it and I think they have the ability. So, I think our experience, skills will help us to put India under pressure, Nannu told reporters at the selectors room of the SBNCS in Mirpur yesterday.
Talking about Mustafizur Rahman, Nannu pointed out that Mustafizurs fitness will be assessed through his NCL participation.
Its a must for Mustafiz to prove his fitness. The physio has given me a guideline that he can bowl only 15 overs per day in the second round of the NCL due to his ankle problem. He was out of the first match with injury and still recovering from it. So, we have to consider about him. Fitness trainer, bowling coach are having an eye on his injury update whether he will be match fit for back to back Test matches and his inclusion will also be decided by the team management, Minhazul said of the Fizz.
The BCB chief selector also said Imrul Kayes, who smashed double ton in the first round of the NCL, is also on boards radar and decision on him might come in the next selection meeting.
In the meantime, ahead of India tour, Tigers most two senior players Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim, who featured in the first round of the NCL for Chittagong and Rajshahi division respectively, were seen busy with their individual practice sessions at the main ground of the SBNCS yesterday. Both the batsmen spent a lot of time in nets to hone their batting skills. Their mentor Mohammad Salahuddin also worked with the duo and provided batting lessons to both of them.
