‘Happy with Mushfiqur the keeper’

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim's performance behind the stumps has often come under scrutiny because of occasional lapses that cost the team, especially during this summer's World Cup in England.

Once again, there were questions about whether the 32-year-old should keep doing his duty behind the stumps or if he should hand over the gloves to Liton Das, the other wicketkeeper-batsman in the squad.

Interestingly, considerations of fielding utility was head coach Russell Domingo's reason for continuing with Mushfiqur in the role.

"We enjoy what Liton [Das] offers on the field. He is a fantastic fielder and a better fielder than Mushy. For me, having as many good fielders available to us is important. Those five or six runs saved by fielders like Liton, Afif [Hossain] and [Nazmul Hossain] Shanto are very important in short-format cricket," said Domingo in Mirpur yesterday.

Domingo, however, also mentioned that Mushfiqur offers more than just keeping and is happy with his performance.

"I am genuinely happy [with] the way Mushy keeps. He puts good energy behind the stumps; he is an experienced player and offers the captain advice. He has got a good view from behind the stumps, so there are lots of reasons to keep Mushfiqur the wicketkeeper."