Bangladesh has brought back Mosaddek Hossain and Nurul Hasan for the first two ODIs against Australia, starting on June 9. Mosaddek, aged 30, returns after a strong performance in the Dhaka Premier League, scoring a century and two fifties and taking 11 wickets. Nurul Hasan, who missed the New Zealand series, aims to strengthen the middle-order.
The selectors opted for Mosaddek and Nurul as Mahidul Islam Ankon and Afif Hossain make way due to unmet expectations. Bangladesh’s batting has faced challenges in recent ODIs against Pakistan and New Zealand. Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto have been consistent performers, while others like Saif Hassan and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz have struggled.
In the fast bowling department, Nahid Rana, with recent five-wicket hauls in ODIs and Tests, leads alongside Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam. Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, familiar with Australian batters from the Big Bash League, adds variety. The upcoming ODI series marks Bangladesh’s first bilateral encounter with Australia in 15 years, with the last ODI victory over Australia dating back to 2005.
