Mosaddek, Nurul return as Bangladesh announce squad for first two ODIs against Australia
Dhaka, June 3
Bangladesh have recalled middle‑order batter Mosaddek Hossain and wicketkeeper‑batter Nurul Hasan for the first two ODIs against Australia starting in Mirpur on June 9, with Mahidul Islam Ankon and Afif Hossain making way.
Mosaddek, 30, last played an ODI for Bangladesh in August 2022 but has forced his way back on the strength of a prolific Dhaka Premier League campaign. He has already scored a century and two fifties, averaging 89 in five matches, while also claiming 11 wickets at 16.27 with his off‑spin bowling.
Nurul, who missed the New Zealand series, returns to bolster the middle‑order as Mahidul and Afif didn't live up to the desired expectations of the selectors. The duo's recall comes at a time when Bangladesh's batting has struggled in recent ODIs against Pakistan and New Zealand.
Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto have been the side's only consistent scorers while Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz have failed to replicate their earlier good form.
Pacer Nahid Rana, who has taken five‑wicket hauls in both ODIs and Tests since March, leads the fast bowling attack alongside Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam. Leg‑spinner Rishad Hossain, familiar with Australian batters due to his Big Bash League stint, adds variety to the line-up.
The three‑match ODI series will be Bangladesh's first bilateral contest against Australia in 15 years. Their only ODI win over Australia came in Cardiff during a tri‑series in 2005. Following two more ODIs to be played on June 11 and 14, Bangladesh and Australia will play three T20Is starting on June 17.
Bangladesh ODI squad: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Mosaddek Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Nahid Rana.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting to see Bangladesh trying to shore up the middle order after the recent struggles. Mosaddek's all-round abilities could be key. Australia will be tough, but 15 years since a bilateral series—this is a big moment for Bangladesh cricket. Hopefully it's a competitive series!
Finally selectors are looking beyond Mahidul and Afif—they've been inconsistent for a while. Mosaddek’s DPL form is impressive, but international cricket is a different beast. I think the real test will be against Australia’s pacers on those Mirpur pitches. At least the bowling attack looks solid with Nahid Rana leading the way! 🔥
Can’t believe Bangladesh haven’t played a bilateral ODI series against Australia in 15 years! That’s wild. The squad looks decent, but I’m a bit worried about the batting depth. If the top order collapses, Mosaddek and Nurul will have a huge job. Still, hope they can pull off a surprise win—imagine the scenes in Mirpur! 🙏
Bangladesh's selection strategy seems to be about rewarding domestic form, which is fair. But I'm not sure if Mosaddek's recall will solve the middle-order woes—Australia's bowlers are a level above. That said, the bowling unit looks well-rounded, especially with Rishad Hossain's Big Bash experience. Should be an interesting contest!
Honestly, dropping Afif Hossain might be a bit harsh—he’s had a few good knocks, but I understand the selectors want consistency. Mosaddek has
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