|| CF DESK ||

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha believes all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz is ready to step up as the successor of veteran Shakib al Hasan in Bangladesh cricket.

Putting away all the controversy, Shakib's versatility has been a cornerstone of Bangladesh's cricket team. According to the coach, his all-round capabilities allow the team to adapt to various match situations.

Shakib went back to England to play County cricket for Surrey after having a key role in Bangladesh's success in Pakistan. He took nine wickets, bowling 33.5 overs in the first innings and 29.3 in the second for Surrey.

"He (Shakib) is in good shape so he brings a lot into the team, even apart from his skillset," Hathurusingha told the media.

"Shakib has always played a huge part in Bangladesh cricket whenever he is available. Obviously, he gives us the luxury to balance the team the way we want, whether we want to play an extra bowler or an extra batter, his all-round capability helps us in that. He keeps that adaptability as well as his huge experience," he said.

Miraz, who has emerged as a formidable talent, following a stellar performance in the recent two-match Test series against Pakistan, is seen as a potential successor to Shakib to Hathurusingha.

He scored 155 runs and took 10 wickets across two matches, earning the Player of the Series award in Bangladesh's historic series sweep over Pakistan. 

"Miraz (Mehidy) I would say is the most improved Bangladeshi cricketer in the last five-six years. He's ready to take over when Shakib moves out. He has developed his batting and obviously his bowling has always been his strength number one. And he's a gun fielder," he added.