Mohammad Rafique follows Minhajul

Mohammad Rafique has not joined the Bangladesh-A camp still. This ace spinner who had always proved his skill in the shorter version, became upset when he saw his name was dropped out of the BCB contracted player list.

Rafique has been serving his country for almost eight long years and he has contributed a lot with out a shred of doubt. He has played 23 one-day matches as a left-arm off spinner as well as a hard hitter lower order batsman. He made marks with the bat in some ODI also, including the one he played as an opener against Kenya. He hammered 77 in that match that played its role for Bangladesh's first win in ODI.

Everyone starts calling him a recognized ODI player. But was he unsuccessful in the longer version?

In the inaugural Test Rafique was given a chance instead of Enamul Hoque. Though Naimur Rahman hit the headlines by plucking 6 wickets, Rafique's achievement was not insignificant. He removed three Indian batsmen giving away 117 in 51 overs, a little more than 2 runs per over. He bowled at strict length giving hardly any room for the batsmen to attempt for big shots. So, his ability to get along with the longer version is not suspect so far.

Then it is surprising to find him out of the National Squad. Enamul Hoque might be regarded as a better contestant for the Tests but he is already thirty-five. He might get a nasty injury like Khaled Masud, which could keep him off the field. Then what will happen? Naimur Rahman will have to continue alone from one end.

The Selection Committee should have pondered over this matter before demoting Rafique to Bangladesh-A team. Like Minhajul Abedin, Rafique did not join the A-team camp yet. He felt humiliated in some respect. Eventually Bangladesh have to go for Rafique once again for the one-day matches.

The 29-member Bangladesh-A Team run their practice in the BKSP grounds from Tuesday to Friday. Presently they are undergoing through training sessions under coach Dipu Roy Chowdhury, the former pace bowler of the National Team. They have the West Indies Tour in front in January 2002.