Published on 09:06 PM, June 20, 2022

Shakib’s words give Shoriful more fire 

Photo: AFP

Left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam, who was initially left out of the West Indies Test series due to injury, was today included in the squad for the second Test at St. Lucia slated for June 24th. The pacer,who departed for West Indies this evening said that he was mentally ready to get the surprise call up with the first Test having just ended yesterday at Antigua and said that skipper Shakib Al Hasan's confidence in the pace attack will inspire the pacers even more before the second Test.

He was given a heads up by BCB president Nazmul Hassan Papon on his inclusion yesterday.

"I came to know about it ( that I am going) yesterday and I was mentally prepared for it after Papon sir called me and said that I am going.  

"I have not played there (West Indies) but what I have seen is that if the ball is pitched in the right area there is an advantage and so I will try to maintain the right line and length," he said about his approach.

Shakib had been very positive about the bowlers' performance and after day one, he said the bowlers did very well. Shoriful said the captain's remark will inspire the pace bowling unit.

"Our pacers are doing well and we have a job both with new and old ball and I will try to play according to the role I am given. We are confident that we will do well in the second Test. 

"Naturally, when someone like Shakib bhai says good thing about pacers it only inspires us," Shoriful said.