Mosaddek Returns As Bangladesh Name Australia ODI Squad

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the first two matches of the upcoming three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia, scheduled to be played in Dhaka later this month. The most notable inclusion in the squad is all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, who has earned a recall to the national side after a lengthy absence from international cricket.

The 30-year-old returns to the ODI setup nearly four years after his previous appearance. His most recent ODI for Bangladesh came in August 2022, and his selection marks a significant comeback following an extended period away from the national team.

Mosaddek’s return is the headline development in a squad that also sees the inclusion of experienced wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan Sohan. Sohan has been recalled after missing Bangladesh’s most recent ODI series against New Zealand in April.

The squad announcement also confirms the omission of Afif Hossain and Mahidul Islam Ankon, both of whom were part of the Bangladesh side for the New Zealand series. Their exclusion has created room for the return of Mosaddek and Sohan as Bangladesh prepare for a challenging series against Australia.

The three-match ODI series will begin on 9 June in Dhaka. The second match is scheduled for 11 June, while the third and final ODI will take place on 14 June. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has currently announced the squad for the opening two matches of the series.

The team will be led by captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who continues in the leadership role. The squad combines experienced campaigners with younger players who have featured regularly in Bangladesh’s recent limited-overs plans.

The batting unit includes Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy and Litton Kumar Das. Their presence provides Bangladesh with a mix of experience and attacking options at the top and middle order.

Mosaddek’s inclusion adds another all-round option to the squad, while Nurul Hasan Sohan offers experience behind the stumps and additional depth in the batting line-up. Bangladesh have increasingly relied on versatile cricketers in recent years, and both returning players are capable of contributing in multiple roles.

The spin department includes Rishad Hossain and Tanvir Islam, while the pace attack features several of the country’s leading fast bowlers. The bowling unit includes Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana.

The selection reflects Bangladesh’s intention to field a balanced combination of established performers and returning players as they prepare to face Australia in a three-match series that will provide an important test for the hosts.

Bangladesh squad for the first and second ODIs against Australia:

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Kumar Das, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana.

With Mosaddek Hossain returning after an extended absence and Nurul Hasan Sohan also back in contention, the squad features two experienced additions as Bangladesh prepare for the opening matches of the ODI series against Australia in Dhaka.