‘Hope to have Riyad bowling soon’
Even before the Bangladesh cricket team departed for Ireland, there were injury concerns over tqwo key players in the experienced Mahmudullah Riyad and left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman.
The team management were eager to have batsman Mahmudullah’s shoulder fit enough to bowl his part-time off-spin, especially by the time the World Cup in the United Kingdom rolls around on May 30. Mahmudullah last bowled just one over against New Zealand during the first Test in Hamilton and since medical reports have shown that the cricketer suffered a Grade 3 tear on his right shoulder, depriving the Tigers of his useful off-spin in the middle overs.
Bangladesh coach Steve Rhodes was however not concerned about Mahmudullah’s injury and was hopeful that the experienced cricketer would be able to bowl a few overs in the latter stages of the ongoing tri-series.
“Riyad is quite confident about his shoulder, that he can get himself in a fit position at the World Cup. Maybe the back end of this tournament might be a good opportunity for him to bowl one or two overs. We need him bowling as he gives us an option as a sixth or seventh bowler because, as you know, he started his career as an off-spinner and a good one, “Rhodes told reporters after Bangladesh’s match against Ireland was washed out in Dublin on Thursday.
Mustafizur Rahman
On the other hand, left-arm seamer Mustafizur -- who just recovered from an ankle injury -- is yet to find his rhythm. The star paceman remained bite-less, conceding 84 runs from his 10 overs for two wickets in the 10-wicket win over the West Indies on Tuesday.
Rhodes however backed his man and said that Mustafizur is capable enough to threaten the opponents on his given day.
“I am not concerned. I think he is a wonderful one-day bowler. It was not too long ago that he was ranked in the top five in the world. We haven’t got many of our Bangladeshi players ranked in the top five but I do think that we have got some very good players. They showed it the other day against West Indies.
“And that’s why some of the teams will be guarded against us in the World Cup as they will be a little worried before playing against Bangladesh. But we all know as well that we are capable of a bad game and my job and Mash’s [Mashrafe Bin Mortaza’s] job as captain and the rest of the team is to try our best to be a little more consistent. If we start to do that then maybe we can go a long way in the tournament,” he said.
