Bangladesh drop Ashraful, recall Raqibul

Bangladesh have dropped seasoned middle-order batsman Mohammad Ashraful for next month's one-day matches against England, Ireland and Scotland, a cricket board official said Sunday.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief selector Rafiqul Alam said the 25-year-old had been axed after a string of poor shows, including the recent Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the two Test matches against England.

"We omitted Ashraful because he has been out of form since the Test matches in England. But we've not shut the door on him. He can still make a comeback for future tours if he finds his form," Alam told AFP. Alam said Raqibul Hasan, 22, had been drafted in the 15-man squad to bolster Bangladesh's wobbly middle-order, which fared poorly in the Asia Cup. Raqibul had announced retirement on the eve of the Test series against England in March before overturning the decision a week later, an act that led to his three-month suspension from the game.

"Raqibul retired and then changed his decision. We called him as his three-month suspension is set to expire later this month. He is a good batsman, one who can fix our middle order," Alam said.

All-rounder Naeem Islam and left-arm spinner Suhrawadi Shuvo were also dropped for poor form. Left-handed batsman Faisal Hossain, who last played for Bangladesh in 2004, was included following his fine show in the domestic leagues.

DHAKA, AFP