Three veterans recalled to Bangladesh squad

Dhaka: Bangladesh's selectors yesterday opted for experience by recalling three seasoned cricketers in their 15-man squad for next month's World Cup in the Caribbean.

Veteran opener Javed Omar, middle-order batsman Rajin Saleh and left-arm seamer Syed Rasel were named in the squad, chief selector Faruq Ahmad told reporters yesterday. "Both Javed and Rajin had good domestic seasons. They are also seasoned campaigners. We think this is the best combination we have for the World Cup," he said. "We also picked Rasel, despite the fact that he has lost pace in recent times. He is an experienced bowler and can swing the ball."

Omar, 30, came in place of Mehrab Hossain, who played the last two series against Zimbabwe.

The selectors also replaced middle-order batsman Tushar Imran with Saleh, who booked his berth after scoring two centuries in the local Dhaka league. "Besides his experience, Saleh can play as a makeshift opener," said Ahmad.

Ahmad also defended the selection of 17-year-old opening batsman Tamim Iqbal, who has played just two one-dayers.

Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore said he was happy with the squad.

"Yes, this is the best possible team for the World Cup. We have picked the best combination," Whatmore said, adding the team had a good chance to advance to the second round.

The squad: Habibul Bashar (captain), Shahriar Nafees, Tamim Iqbal, Aftab Ahmad, Saqibul Hasan, Mohammad Ashraful, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Rafique, Abdur Razzak, Mashrafe Mortaza, Shahadat Hossain, Tapash Baisya, Syed Rasel, Rajin Saleh, Javed Omar.Coach: Dav Whatmore.