Selector Hannan Sarkar explains reason behind dropping Shoriful Islam for India tour

Bangladesh selectors made one change to their squad from the Pakistan Tests as Jaker Ali has been called up for the two-match series against India. Shoriful Islam, who has played 11 Test matches for Bangladesh and picked up 25 wickets has been dropped from the series, which created quite some buzz. However, selector Hannan Sarkar explained that the pacer is currently suffering from a groin injury, which led to the selection of Jaker.

Meanwhile, Jaker has played 49 first-class matches and scored 2862 runs at an average of 44.91. Explaining the reason behind preferring him over a pacer, Hannan stated that they analysed the conditions and considered all the options before selecting the keeper-batter. He added that the selectors felt that an additional batter would be more helpful for the team in India than an extra seamer. 

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“We considered conditions and opponents before picking Jaker Ali. We had taken five pacers in Pakistan, but we dropped one for India tour. What we felt that we required additional batter in middle order for a better team combination if we consider the conditions and opponents,” Hannan was quoted by The Daily Star.

We also considered Shahadat Hossain: Hannan

Hannan explained that the selectors considered Shahadat Hossain for the series against India but his recent performance couldn’t convince the panel. He noted that Shahadat wasn’t in rhythm in four-day matches against Australia and Pakistan, which is why, they backed Jaker. However, the selector assured that Shahadat is in BCB’s plans for the future.

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“Dipu [Shahadat Hossain] was in our all plans. But you knew in all those matches Dipu played due to the absence of Shakib [Al Hasan] or Mushfiqur [Rahim]. I wouldn't say he played really well, but he also didn't do badly. We have taken into account recent performance. Dipu played four-day matches in Australia and Pakistan. He isn't in rhythm. Form is very important for a player when he plays international cricket. Dipu is part of our future plans. He is now preparing to play in the NCL [National Cricket League]," Hannan added.