Jayed's exclusion based on 'home conditions' factor

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief selector Minhajul Abedin stressed on the 'home condition' factor as the reason behind leaving out seamer Abu Jayed from Bangladesh's squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka in May. He also pointed at the pace-variation criteria which led to Rejaur Rahman Raja being called into the squad.

There was a time when Jayed was considered the primary candidate to lead the pace attack for the Tigers' Test side. However, the 28-year-old  could not get into the playing eleven during Bangladesh's last two away tours (New Zealand and South Africa) and now finds himself out of the squad.

"We always consider Jayed when we require extra swing with the ball overseas. But now, we'll be playing in home conditions," Minhajul told the reporters today.

"There are some steps for preparing a combination for the players. He was there with the team till the last series, but wasn't a regular. The team management has created a plan according to home conditions, hence Jayed was off the list. Nevertheless, he is in the practice match, so he is on our radar," the chief selector added as he went on to address the variation Raja could bring into the pace battery.

"I think Raja has improved enough in our HP training. He has bowled at a good pace at the domestic level and can bring variation in his style. Hence, considering the home conditions, we decided to add him to the pace bowling unit."

Raja had remained uncapped despite getting called into the squad in the Test series against Pakistan last year. Furthermore, he had travelled with the Test side on the recent South Africa tour.

Meanwhile, opening batter Shadman Islam was also dropped from the squad due to his off-form. However, similar to Abu Jayed, he is included in the squad for the practice match.

"It's difficult for Shadman to be regular since he plays in only one format. And then he has to wait for the red-ball-cricket at the domestic level as well.

"Since the game will be played on home soil, we've kept Shadman in the team for the practice match. Now that there is no restriction of bio-bubble, we can call up any player at any time, and we are preparing them accordingly," the chief selector said furthermore.

Ace paceman Mustafizur Rahman's availability in the Test squad has been called into question in recent times. Minhajul stated that they may call the cutter-master for the Tests if required.

"We did talk about Mustafizur and we have him in mind. If the team needs him, we will definitely try to bring him. We have given the squad for the first Test, but if he is required for the second Test, we will think about it," said Minhajul while he also gave an update on Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehedi Hasan Miraz's injury status.

Mehedi Hasan Miraz reacts after getting injured during his Sheikh Jamal's fixture against Prime Bank in DPL today. Photo: Firoz Ahmed.

"Miraz is an important batter in our lower-middle-order. Hopefully, he will be alright in seven to 10 days as his spinning finger did not get hurt. But we can't say anything about Mushfiqur before 24 hours." 

Mushfiqur Rahim attended by his Sheikh Jamal teammates after getting injured. Photo: Firoz Ahmed