Tigers add Sarkar, Kayes to ailing Asia Cup squad
Batsmen Soumya Sarkar and Imrul Kayes have been added to Bangladesh’s squad in the Asia Cup as the Tigers aim to bounce back after a couple of heavy defeats.
Bangladesh were crushed by 136 runs against Afghanistan on Thursday and then India strolled to a seven-wicket victory in Dubai on Friday.
REPORT: Jadeja and Rohit topple the Tigers to keep India unbeaten
The Tigers have though suffered a spate of injuries in the three games (they beat Sri Lanka in their first match), with Tamim Iqbal having to return home after fracturing his wrist, while Shakib Al Hasan (finger) and Rahim (rib) playing through their injuries.
Sarkar and Kayes, both left-hander’s, can slot into Tamim’s position at the top of the order.
Both players last played in an ODI in October last year with Sarkar’s average in international cricket at just under 35 while Kayes is at little more than 28.
Speaking after the loss to India, Tigers skipper Mashrafe Mortaza said he hoped the duo had worked on technical issues that saw them lose out on selection in the first place but that it would be tough nevertheless.
With a tricky match coming up against Afghanistan on Sunday, Mashrafe said: “It won’t be easy for anyone – not for those who are currently playing, nor for those coming in.
“But everything in international cricket is tough – and you have to score, bat well and bowl well within that, and we have staged comebacks like this. Nothing is impossible, whoever plays has to take a little responsibility.”
Latest
-
-
-
-
NewsA look at three of the best Ashes series on English soil
There have been some memorable tussles between England and Australia.
-
NewsAshes major talking points as Australia gear up for first taste of ‘Bazball’
The series starts at Edgbaston next week.
-
AustraliaScott Boland edges Michael Neser for place in Australia XI for WTC against India
Josh Hazlewood’s side injury left Boland and Neser fighting for the final pace attack spot, and captain Pat Cummins did not leave the pair waiting.
-
-
The AshesMoeen Ali may be ready to answer England’s call
Jack Leach’s injury could mean the 35-year-old reverses his retirement from Test cricket.
-
The AshesI feel like a different player – Ollie Pope has Ashes warning for Australia
Pope provided an insight into his role as Ben Stokes’ official number two amid concerns over the captain’s fitness.
-
County CricketColin Graves ends bid to return as Yorkshire chair
The club accused Graves of “a distinct lack of understanding” of their financial position and county governance requirements.