Bangladesh recall Ashraful for World T20

Dhaka:

Bangladesh recalled former captain Mohammad Ashraful on Tuesday for next month's World Twenty20 tournament in the Caribbean.

The 25-year-old batsman, who was dropped for the recent Test and one-day series against England because of inconsistent form, was given a second chance, chief selector Rafiqul Alam said.

"Ashraful is a potential match-winner and his ability to improvise in limited-overs cricket makes him an important part of the team for this tournament," Alam said.

Former skipper Mashrafe Mortaza, a key fast bowler and a useful lower-order batsman, was also named in the 15-man squad after regaining fitness and rhythm, Alam said.

Mortaza, who recovered from a double knee operation, figured in the opening one-dayer against England in February before being rested for the Tests due to lack of match fitness.

Middle-order batsman Jahurul Islam, 23, who made his debut in the Test series against England, was the only newcomer in the squad led by all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.

Jahurul was included for his ability to play big shots and the "sheer weight of his consistent performance over the years," Alam said.

Bangladesh are drawn with defending champions Pakistan and Australia in the tough group A, from which two teams will advance to the Super Eights.

Squad: Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mohammad Ashraful, Aftab Ahmed, Mohammad Mahmudullah, Naeem Islam, Mashrafe Mortaza, Abdur Razzak, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Syed Rasel, Suhrawadi Shuvo, Jahurul Islam.