‘Absence of best T20 bowler gives the rest a chance to shine’
Bangladesh are all set to take on Afghanistan in a three-T20I series, scheduled to commence from June 3. The Tigers will be without the services of Mustafizur Rahman, who has been ruled out of the series due to a toe injury.
Since his debut, Mustafiz has been an integral part of the Bangladesh team, especially in limited-overs. The 22-year-old rose to prominence with his consistency in the national team and also in the domestic leagues from around the world.
However, he didn’t have a good time in the recently-concluded IPL as his team, the Mumbai Indians, couldn’t qualify for the playoffs. To add to his woes, Fizz finished the campaign by picking up an injury in MI’s last league match.
Abul Hasan has been included in the Bangladesh squad to replace the left-arm paceman and Bangladesh interim head coach, Courtney Walsh certainly sees Mustafiz’s absence as an opportunity for other players.
“Unfortunately, he [Mustafizur] got injured, so he will be missed but it’s an opportunity for the others to prove their worth. Obviously it's disappointing but we have to see the positives too and I expect someone else to step up,” Walsh said on Tuesday.
Bangladesh T20I skipper Shakib Al Hasan has reiterated his Walsh’s words recently and also labeled Mustafiz as the team’s best T20 bowler.
“Certainly there will be some problem [as he is not available],” Shakib reportedly said. “He is our best T20 bowler and so naturally it becomes difficult for us. At the same time it opens up an opportunity for someone and I am looking forward to see someone grab that with both hands.”
