Published on 06:38 PM, April 29, 2023

Taijul-Nasum experiment to carry on till World Cup 

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Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha in his bid to test out several options leading up to the World Cup in India has decided to make things interesting when it comes to picking his second left-arm spin option after Shakib Al Hasan. 

The choice will be between left-arm spinners Taijul Islam and Nasum Ahmed, both of whom have got the nod for the Tigers in their recent home series against India, England, and Ireland.

While Nasum was included in Bangladesh's ODI series win over India last year, he was left out of the England series only to return to the fold against Ireland.

This chopping and changing is something that coach Hathurusingha has said is aimed to expand his options, with the intention of giving each enough matches leading up to the World Cup meaning that the Bangladesh squad would continue to see Nasum in place of Taijul and vice versa in subsequent series. 

"Because we, as we discussed, I want to expand the slot, this for even one lot of experience. So we continue to do that for leading up to the world cup," he told the reporters on Saturday.

When asked if the frequent changes would affect the confidence of players and have an impact on their performances, the Sri Lankan coach assured them that it wouldn't be an issue as the reasons for their inclusions and exclusions are explained to them.  

"It won't because we communicate well. I have explained why they are in the team and why they aren't. I hope it won't have an impact. If it does, then it would affect their performances under pressure. We don't want such players in the team," he said.