Mosaddek or Afif to bat at number 7

Bangladesh coach Russel Domingo wants a spin bowling all-rounder who can play at number seven ahead of the upcoming Sri Lanka series, so all-rounders Mosaddek Hossain and Afif Hossain may be considered.

Mosaddek last played an ODI in July 2019 against Sri Lanka. He has been called up again for the upcoming three-match ODI series. At number seven, Domingo said, they wanted someone who could do both bowling and batting.

Afif Hossain was also being considered for this spot. “I think we are trying to find someone that can slot into the No 7 role – a batter who can offer a spin bowling option. There’s Afif and Mosaddek,” Domingo said.

For a long time, Bangladesh has been looking for a finisher. In the previous series, batting all-rounder Soumya Sarkar was played in that position; however, Domingo has hinted that he could be used in the top order this time.

“We have floated with the idea of Soumya being down there. Mosaddek is competing for a spot in the lower middle order. Someone who can finish games, good fielder – a good package who can bat and bowl,” he added.

Mosaddeq had been ruled out of the recently concluded Test series due to injury. He suffered a foot injury earlier during the tour of New Zealand.

As a result, he could not play in any match of ODI series. He returned in the T20 series and only got the opportunity play the last match.