Tait on Mahidul’s Playing Time: ‘Ask the Selectors’

Shaun Tait, the pace bowling coach of Bangladesh, attended a press briefing ahead of the series-deciding third T20 against Ireland on Tuesday. While representing the team in a media capacity, Tait was asked several questions regarding squad selection. True to form, the former Australian fast bowler deflected queries about individual selections, stating clearly that team choices are not his responsibility.

With the series currently locked at 1-1, the final match at Chattogram’s Bir Sreshtho Shaheed Lt. Matiur Rahman Stadium will be crucial. It is also Bangladesh’s last bilateral T20 fixture before the T20 World Cup in February.

This series has been the final opportunity to test team combinations and evaluate alternative players ahead of the World Cup. Mahidul Islam was drafted into the squad for the first two matches, replacing Shakib Hossain, but did not feature in the playing eleven. Shakib has been included for the third T20, while Mahidul remains in the squad.

Responding to questions about Mahidul’s absence, Tait said: “I’m not a selector. You need to ask the people who make the team decisions.”

Looking forward, Bangladesh cricketers will focus on the Bangladesh Premier League, which starts at the end of December and concludes shortly before the World Cup. Tait believes that participation in the BPL and warm-up matches will provide adequate preparation for the global tournament.

Addressing concerns over injuries, he added: “Injuries can happen at any time and anywhere, and that is beyond my control. The positive side is that players gain competitive match experience before the World Cup. My role is to ensure our pace bowlers are fully prepared; other aspects, including the schedule and injuries, are outside my control.”

Khaborwala/SJ