Newcomers eager to leave their mark against WI

All-rounder Mahedi Hasan, fast bowlers Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud have earned maiden call-ups to the Bangladesh squad for the ODI series against the West Indies on the back of some good form in the two recent domestic tournaments. They are very keen to prove their mettle if given opportunities in the series.

Shoriful Islam, the tall and lanky fast bowler from Panchagarh, impressed one and all in the recently concluded Bangabandhu T20 Cup. He performed sensationally, especially while bowling in tandem with Mustafizur Rahman. The left-arm seamer is very delighted to have been called up. "I was delighted to hear the news. I will try to make it count if I am given opportunities. I bowled well in the BCB President's Cup and Bangabandhu T20 Cup. I will try to emulate domestic performance in international cricket," he said.

Shoriful credits the senior cricketers for his good performance and looks to continue in the same fashion. He stated, "I am really enjoying the national team environment. I always had the dream of playing alongside the likes of Shakib (Al Hasan) Bhai, Mushfiqur (Rahim) Bhai, Tamim (Iqbal) Bhai, (Mahmudullah) Riyad Bhai, Mustafizur (Rahman) Bhai. They are helping me rectify the mistakes I have been making at the nets."

The fast bowler dreams of winning the World Cup for the senior side as well, having won it for the Under-19 team.

Hasan Mahmud has previously made his debut in a T20I for Bangladesh but this is his maiden call-up to the ODI squad. But the paceman reckons that maintaining the process is important no matter what the format is. "I will give my best in whichever format I play. The process is very important. I will stick to it and try to keep myself fit."

Hasan acknowledged the role of his coaches in his rise. "I worked with district coach Monir Hossain. Then whoever I worked with, from division to national level, were very helpful. I trained for a long time under bowling coach (Mahbub Ali) Zaki Sir. All of them helped me very much."

Hasan wants to make the best use of this opportunity.

Like Hasan Mahmud, Mahedi Hasan has already made his debut for Bangladesh in the shortest format. The all-rounder said that he is under absolutely no pressure and looking forward to applying his all-round skills in international cricket. He said, "If I am given a chance, I will certainly give my hundred per cent. As I am an all-rounder, I will try to play and play well across formats."

"As we are a tough side mentally, it wouldn't have mattered much if the West Indies had sent their full-strength squad. But we cannot take them lightly and those who play well on the given day will win," Mahedi signed off.