Mashrafe Mortaza Set to Fly Windies for the ODI Series

Bangladesh’s One-day International skipper Mashrafe Mortaza will join the 50-over squad for the upcoming three-match series against Windies, a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official said on Monday (July 16).

Meanwhile, Bangladesh will be desperate to put up a good show following their humiliating Test defeat.

However, his participation was uncertain as he didn’t join the squad along with five other cricketers.

”Mashrafe is likely to leave tonight (Monday),” chief selector Minhajul Abedin told Cricbuzz on Monday.

The official confirmed earlier Mortaza didn’t fly to the Caribbean shores due to his ailing wife Sumona Haque Shumi, whose improvement in condition prompted him in deciding to join the squad.

”Apparently, his wife’s condition is quite stable at present that prompted him to join the squad,” he added.

Minhajul believes his inclusion will bolster the strength of the team. The team from the subcontinent is at their new low in confidence after poor performances in the Test series. Furthermore, they lost both the Test within three days.

‘Naturally, his presence will have a big impact on the morale of the team. He has got great leadership skills and it can play a big part in transforming the mindset of the team,” he said.

Furthermore, the return of paceman Mustafizur Rahman from injury will also boost their confidence. It will be an intensely fought battle between both the sides of almost equal calibre.

The Tigers began their ODI campaign with a lone warm-up game against UWI Vice Chancellor’s XI before the three-match series from July 22. Mashrafe Mortaza has to play a major role for depleted-looking Bangladesh.

A three-match Twenty20 International series will follow after the culmination of the fifty-over format against Windies.

Also read: Five reasons why India lost to England at Lord’s