Mohammad Ashraful has been omitted from Bangladesh's squad for the one-day series with England.
Batsman granted break to restore bruised confidence
Former skipper Mohammad Ashraful has been omitted from Bangladesh's squad for the one-day series with England.
Ashraful has long been considered the most talented batsman in Bangladesh but, following a run of indifferent form, has been granted a rest.
"Ashraful himself wanted a break and we also felt that the pressure on him had increased to the extent that his confidence was suffering," explained chairman of selectors Rafiqul Alam.
"We believe that a gap from international cricket would be beneficial for him and he will come back strongly soon and do justice to his calibre."
Mortaza comeback
Fast bowler Mashrafe Mortaza, another ex-captain, returns after seven months out following knee surgery.
Alam added: "He has also been declared fit by his doctor. Someone like Mortaza has got nothing to prove regarding his ability and we have confidence in him. He is a big match player."
The 13-man squad includes Junaid Siddique, Naeem Islam and Aftab Ahmed, who all played for the Bangladesh Cricket Boad XI in warm-up matches against England.
The series opener takes place in Dhaka on Sunday.
Bangladesh squad: Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Mushfiqur Rahim (wkt), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Zunaed Siddique, Aftab Ahmed Chowdhury, Mahmud Ullah, Naeem Islam, Masrafe Bin Mortaza, Abdur Razzak, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Md. Sohrawordhi
