Mortaza replaces Rana in the Asian squad

Mashrafe bin Mortaza of Bangladesh has been elevated to the Asian squad due to the unavailability of Rana Naved-ul-Hasan. Mortaza, initially a reserve player, will represent Asia against Africa in the Afro-Asia Cup to be played in South Africa from August 17 to 21.

Sultan Rana, the Asia team manager, gushed about Mortaza. "Mashrafe Mortaza is a very promising prospect," he said, "a terrific asset to the Bangladesh team and I am sure he will be a committed performer for Asia against Africa." Mortaza has represented Bangladesh in 18 Tests, taking 47 wickets at 35. He enhanced his reputation in the recent tour of England, where he stood head and shoulders above his teammates.

Asia squad Inzamam-ul-Haq (capt), Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, Kumar Sangakarra, Sanath Jayasuriya, Yousuf Youhana, Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Mashrafe bin Mortaza, Irfan Pathan, Mohammad Ashraful, Anil Kumble, Shoaib Akhtar.