Mortaza set to join Bangladesh squad for West Indies ODIs

Bangladesh are set to receive a shot in the arm with the return of captain Mashrafe Mortaza for the three-match ODI series against West Indies starting on July 22.

Bangladesh are set to receive a shot in the arm with the return of captain Mashrafe Mortaza for the three-match ODI series against West Indies starting on July 22.

There were doubts about his participation after he did not arrive with the five members of the ODI squad on July 13 due to his ailing wife. However, the improvement of his wife’s health conditions has prompted Mortaza to inform the board about his availability in the ODI series.

'Mashrafe is expected to leave tonight,' chief selector Minhajul Abedin told Cricbuzz. 'Apparently, his wife's condition is quite stable at present that prompted him to join the squad,' he added. Mortaza will leave on Monday night.

Bangladesh are going through a tough time after successive confidence-denting defeats in the recently concluded Test series, in which the Bangladesh batting order failed to put up any sort of resistance against the hosts’ seamers. But Mijhajul believes that Mortaza’s inclusion will provide the much-needed boost to the visitors.

'Naturally, his presence will have a big impact on the morale of the team. He has got great leadership skills and it can play a big part in transforming the mindset of the team,' he said.
Bangladesh will play a warm-up match against UWI Vice Chancellor's XI before the three-match ODI series kickstarts from July 22, which will be followed by a three-match T20I series.