Still seeking a break after 6 years

Pace bowling all-rounder Abul Hasan's entry into international cricket was nothing short of a fairytale as he broke into the record books by becoming the first number 10 batsman to strike a century on Test debut in 110 years against West Indies six years ago in Khulna.

But an injury-prone Abul was unable to establish himself in the national side despite having all the attributes to become a handy all-rounder as he played just seven ODIs and four T20Is since 2012 and has been in and out of the Bangladesh team.

Despite the incredible debut Abul went on to play just two more Tests, the last of which was in March 2013 against Sri Lanka, and the right-arm pacer has since been unable to make a comeback in the longest format of the game.

Although the 25-year-old did return to the ODI side earlier this year in the tri-series at home, Abul could not make an impression with either bat or ball in a match that saw the Tigers being bundled out for 82 by Sri Lanka in January this year, before being dropped for the final.

But the selectors have kept faith to a certain extent in Abul, who has been in the national setup for the past few years whether it is in the A team or even the High Performance squad. However, he has not often been given the chance to make the step up.

While Abul made his T20I debut before his incredible Test debut in the same year in 2012, he has not featured in the shortest format in the past six years mostly because of multiple injuries. The all-rounder, who is in the Tigers' 31-member preliminary squad for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan in June and the following tour of West Indies, is eyeing a comeback in the shortest format.

"Everyone dreams of playing for the national team but honestly I don't know the exact reason why I am not able to return to the Bangladesh team. I actually have not played a T20I since suffering the injury [in 2012], but I played T20Is before that, so I am focused on doing my job as well as I can. If I get an opportunity I will try to give my best and establish myself in the side," Abul told reporters while enjoying a day off from the ongoing strength and conditioning camp at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.

He also said that he is looking forward to the upcoming specialised fast bowling camp under high performance unit fast bowling coach Champaka Ramanayake starting from May 23.

"It will be difficult as Ramadan has already started and we will practise while fasting. I have worked with Champaka previously back in 2012 and he might bring something different this time," he added.