|| CF Correspondent ||

Bangladesh manager Khaled Mahmud believes that Shakib al Hasan’s involvement with the national cricket team in the recent past and his work ethics is paying dividend in the ongoing World Cup.

The all-rounder had been subject to controversy in the recent past for being aloof in the dressing room while his work ethics were also questioned as he was not one of the guys who was inclined to spend hours in the dressing room.

However, Mahmud cleared the air for Shakib, who put up an all-round performance against South Africa in their opening game to give his nation a perfect start in the ongoing World Cup.

Shakib, who is batting for extended period in the nets, made 75 runs and  put on 142 runs for the third wicket during Bangladesh’s 21-run win  and later bowled Aiden Markram at a crucial juncture to become the quickest in ODI history to the double of 250 wickets and 5,000 runs and also took a fine, low catch at cover to help dismiss Andile Phehlukwayo.

“I think Shakib’s return is the most important thing,” said Mahmud.

 “He has always been a big cricketer, but his seriousness in the last few months has been outstanding. It’s not just fitness; his involvement in the team is amazing, the way he is working hard.

“Let me just relate something he did in practice the day before yesterday. He was taking a breather, and the players needed water and he ran towards them with the water. This is what I am saying – one of the senior players in the team… these small changes really catch the eye,’’ he said.