Tigers pick Kayes for Windies ODI series

Bangladesh have made a significant change to their ODI squad ahead of the three-match series against the West Indies next month, replacing Shakib-al-Hasan with batsman Imrul Kayes.

Bangladesh have made a significant change to their ODI squad ahead of the three-match series against the West Indies next month, replacing Shakib-al-Hasan with batsman Imrul Kayes.

Shakib was banned for six months after an altercation with a spectator, as well as other issues behind the scenes, and though he has appealed the ban, BCB said they would only look into it after the Windies tour.

As a result, Kayes has been called up. He has 49 ODIs to his name and averages just over 28. Otherwise, the squad remained the same, with Tamim Iqbal selected despite a severe lack of form.

Chief selector Faruque Ahmed told <i>AFP</i>: "It's very difficult to replace a player of Shakib's calibre.

"He fills the role of two players – a batsman and a spinner. But we can take only one player in his place.

"Finally we have decided to take a batsman… as we felt we have enough back-up in spin bowling department.

"Also he can be a back-up to our underperforming openers.

Bangladesh ODI Squad: Mushfiqur Rahim (Capt), Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Shamsur Rahman, Mominul Haque, Rubel Hossain, Nasir Hossain, Mohammad Mahmudullah, Mohammad Mithun, Abdur Razzak, Mashrafe Mortaza, Sohag Gazi, Taskin Ahmed, Imrul Kayes and Al-Amin Hossain.

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