Mosaddek Hossain has always been known for his contributions as a middle-order batter and was largely considered for the white-ball formats.

Even after his late inclusion in the squad for the Sri Lanka series, it was thought that the team management was more focused on the batting depth Mosaddek was going to give the side. It would have been difficult to ponder how Mosaddek would make it into the playing eleven on the basis of batting alone.

With spinner Nayeem Hasan ruled out of the second Test following a fracture to his hand, all of a sudden the focus has turned to Mosaddek as a bowling option.

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Headache arises due to lack of depth in spin department

Spinner Mehedi Hasan Miraz, who was also ruled out of the series following a fracture to his finger, bowled at the nets during the Tigers' practice session on Sunday. The injuries in the spin department shaped up to be similar to the crisis the pace department was facing. Thus, Bangladesh are now looking at Mosaddek the spinner.

"Conditions are similar to what we usually see in Mirpur. Of course it depends on the weather," skipper Mominul Haque said at the press conference following the practice session.

Mominul Haque speaking at the press conference. Photo: Star

Since Mirpur has always been conducive to spin, Mosaddek's inclusion in the playing eleven has become a possibility due to that crisis in the spin department.

"We haven't decided who will play yet. His [Mosaddek's] chances of playing is a little bit more. If you look at the spin department, Taijul [Islam] has been bowling well for the last one-and-a-half years. Shakib [Al Hasan] bhai has bowled very well in the last match. If Mosaddek plays, his roll will be different. It's important to use him intelligently. At times you have to face situations [injuries] like this and you have to face up to them accordingly. Since they [Taijul and Shakib] are there, hopefully it won't be too much of a problem," Mominul said.

Mosaddek played his last Test three years ago against Afghanistan. That time, it was his batting that was the key. This time, Bangladesh will be keener to extract his abilities with the ball.