Bangladesh ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz has backed the inclusion of all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain Saikat despite suggestions that the two compete for a similar role in the side.
Speaking on Monday ahead of the three-match ODI series opener against Australia, Miraz dismissed any notion of a conflict, noting that the pair had successfully played together for Bangladesh in the past.
Mosaddek has earned a national team recall after a four-year absence for the ODI series against Australia. His selection had previously prompted former chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu to remark, “As long as Miraz is there, there is no chance for Mosaddek to be in the team.”
Asked about the comment during the pre-match press conference, Miraz brushed aside the suggestion.
“Mosaddek and I have played together for Bangladesh for many years. If you look back, we also played the 2019 World Cup together. So, I don’t think this is any different or a separate issue,” Miraz said.
While distinguishing between their respective roles, Miraz stressed that he and Mosaddek offer different skill sets to the team. “Mosaddek will play his role and I will play mine. Mosaddek is a batting all-rounder, while I am a bowling all-rounder, so our roles are different,” he added.
Mosaddek was one of the standout performers in last season’s Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, playing a key role in Abahani Limited’s title-winning campaign. He topped the all-rounders’ charts with 487 runs and 30 wickets. The 30-year-old carried that form into the current season, scoring 337 runs and taking 12 wickets.
Miraz highlighted Mosaddek’s recent domestic performances and expressed confidence that he would make the most of any opportunity at international level.
“I think if he can perform, it will be a huge help for both me and the team. At the end of the day, all of us are focused on taking the team forward and helping it reach a better place,” Miraz said. “I am very confident about him considering the way he has performed in domestic cricket. If the opportunity comes, I believe he will do well.”
