Bangladesh to bank on experience for World Cup

Faruque Ahmed, Bangladesh's chief selector, has said that uncapped players are unlikely to find a place in the final, 15-member squad for the 2015 World Cup, although players with the experience of a few international games could be considered. Faruque also confirmed that the squad, likely to be announced in the first week of January, will have four pace bowlers to suit the conditions in Australia and New Zealand.

Faruque said the panel is likely to make a final decision on the squad during the first two days of the new year, and the team will be announced once it is approved by the BCB president, as is the norm.

"We have no scope to take any new player from the [Dhaka Premier] league out of the 30-member preliminary squad," Faruque said. "We have tried to give at least one match to those who were in our mind during the home series against Zimbabwe. In the final squad, there might be one or two boys who have experience to play few matches in the international arena.

"We have four Super League matches left to watch. Those who are under our observation will get a chance to play at the most two more matches before the final squad's formation. We hope to announce our final squad by January 4 or 5. In that regard, we just have one week in hand. We have already held a primary meeting and another will be held on January 1 or 2 to finalise the 15-member squad for the World Cup."

Faruque expressed concern over the form of pacers Al-Amin Hossain and Rubel Hossain, who have taken seven and two wickets respectively in the Dhaka Premier League so far. Faruque believes Al-Amin's rhythm has been hampered after he was reported for a suspect action by the ICC in September. Al-Amin was later cleared to resume bowling.

"We have eight or nine pace bowlers, including seaming allrounders, in the World Cup provisionary squad and out of these, we will pick out four for our team combination for the 15-member final squad," he said. "Prior to forming the final squad, we have to keep the tracks and conditions, along with opponents, in mind. In that aspect, it will be better to keep at least four seam bowlers in Australian conditions. On every tour, we try to keep at least three pace bowlers with the team. Considering the long tour and conditions in Australia and New Zealand, we have plans to keep four seam bowlers with us.

"Both Al Amin Hossain and Rubel Hossain could not perform in the league. Al-Amin gave service to the Bangladesh team throughout the year but his bowling rhythm has been hampered after his action was reported. I think he is a talented bowler and can overcome the problem during our build-up period which includes a two-week training period at home and some practice matches."

Faruque also stated that fast bowler Taskin Ahmed will have to be managed to avoid injuries. Taskin has recovered from a side strain he suffered in the early days of November and has played seven domestic games over the last month.

"[Taskin Ahmed] is in good shape, bowling nine overs in matches. He is in good form after coming back from injury," he said. "We have to manage him as he is injury-prone like Mashrafe [Mortaza]."