Bangladesh’s Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim has been asked to give up wicket-keeping for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, confirmed side’s manager Khaled Mahmud. The decision, which has now been taken, will see Rahim playing as a full-time fielder now.
Liton Das, the specialist wicket-keeper, will now take over the gloves from him in the longer format, at least.
Rahim, who has been in the side as the full-time wicket-keeper, hasn’t really impressed with his skills lately. He came under the hammer during Afghanistan series last year and also against India in the one-off Test, where he missed out on an easy chance of stumping Wriddhiman Saha. The Indian wicket-keeper made the best of the opportunity by scoring a century and eventually helping India win the match.
Talking to a Bengali portal Prothom Alo, the manager confirmed the news. He further cleared Rahim’s contribution as the batsman is well appreciated. He then added the decision has been taken after having a conversation with Rahim himself.
“The coach [Chandika Hathurusingha] and I have informed Mushfiqur officially [that he will play only as a batsman]. He is the best batsman in the team. He is in such form that we believe he will be able to give more to the team, which is why he will bat at No. 4 and will not be keeping wickets. Mushfiqur has taken the decision positively, which is the best part.”
Mentioning the names of greats like Kumar Sangakkara and Brendan Taylor to Rahim, Khaled believes handling captaincy, batting and wicket-keeping at the same time isn’t easy.
“We gave him examples of Kumar Sangakkara and Brendan Taylor whose batting improved as soon as they gave up wicket-keeping in Tests. It is hard to play as wicket-keeper, captain and batsman.”
Liton Das has kept wickets in the three Tests he played in 2015, against India and South Africa.
First of the two Test matches between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will be played in Galle from March 7, while the second one will take place in Colombo from March 15.