He looks certain to be named in Australia's squad for the World Cup in West Indies and the United States
Mashrafe pleased over India’s full-strength teams for Bangladesh tour
Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza is happy that India had announced full-strength squads for next month’s tour.
Published : 21 May 2015, 08:53 AM
Updated : 21 May 2015, 08:56 AM
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named on Wednesday a Virat Kohli-led Test side, and an ODI squad captained by Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
The BCCI’s announcement ended speculation of India resting their top players. Mashrafe said he had been hoping that India would bring their strongest team to Bangladesh.
“Everyone had been hoping for their (India) best team. We knew any India team would be a challenge. As it’s their full team, the challenge is even greater.”
Indian selectors have pinned their hopes on their World Cup team that beat Bangladesh in the quarter-final.
“The one-day squad is quite identical to the World Cup’s. Only (Mohammad) Shami isn’t there due to injury… Their batting is undoubtedly the world’s number one. It will be a huge challenge for our bowlers.”
Right-arm seamer Dhawal Kulkarni has been drafted in to replace pacer Shami.
India toured Bangladesh last year for three ODIs. In that series they had rested their regular players, including Dhoni and Kohli, and sent a team led by Suresh Raina.
“There is always an extra pressure if the full team doesn’t come. At least the question won’t be asked this time. We will have the motivation to play well.
“They played in the World Cup semi-finals - it is their best team. The job is very difficult (for us,” Mashrafe added.
The Indian team will arrive in Bangladesh for a Test and three ODIs on Jun 7.
The one-off Test at Fatullah’s Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium will begin on Jun 10.
The day-night ODIs will be played at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Jun 18, 21 and 24.
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