The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a 15-member final squad to play the series deciding 3rd ODI against Sri Lanka on Monday at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.
Opener Litton Kumer Das has been dropped from final squad making way for the uncapped wicket-keeper-batsman Jaker Ali Anik.
The three match ODI series between hosts Bangladesh and touring Sri Lanka now locked in 1-1 following Sri Lanka's three -wicket victory over Bangladesh last Friday, UNB reports.
Gazi Ashraf Hossain, Chairman of the National Selection Panel, explained the decision, “With the series now hanging in the balance, we believe Jaker Ali’s addition will provide the team with more options and flexibility in the middle order.â€
“Considering Litton's recent performance in white-ball cricket, we opted for this change, mindful of the availability of two other capable openers within the squad.â€
26-year-old Jaker Ali has made an impressive start to his international career and averages 55 after six appearances in T20 matches for Bangladesh. He has close to 2000 runs from 84 List A games where he is averaging 35.
Bangkadesh Squad for 3rd ODI: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Anamul Haque Bijoy, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmud Ullah, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman and Jaker Ali Anik. ‎