Shakib Al Hassan requested that senior players be rested for the New Zealand ODI Series ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023. For the forthcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand at home, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan pleaded with the selectors to rest the veteran player. For the ODI World Cup 2023, which will begin on October 5, Shakib Al Hasan emphasised that the players must be rested.
Following their 21-run defeat against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Saturday, September 9, the Shakib Al Hasan-led team was in danger of being eliminated from the Asia Cup 2023. In the Super Four stage of the ongoing continental championship, the Bangla Tigers lost consecutive games.
Shakib Al Hasan stated during the game against Sri Lanka that they will test a few players against New Zealand, who are vying for a spot on the World Cup roster.
In the three ODIs against New Zealand, we’ll experiment with a few different things. It will be beneficial for the team if we can recruit one or two individuals from there who can fit into the team,” Shakib told reporters.
“Everyone is eligible to participate. Personally, I think that players who competed in the Asia Cup should be given a break from the New Zealand series, especially those who have already qualified for the World Cup.
From September 21 to September 26, Dhaka will host the three-game ODI series between Bangladesh and New Zealand. Before the 10-team championship tournament, the series will be both teams’ final opportunity to play.
Given the short bench strength of the Bangladesh cricket squad, Shakib Al Hasan emphasised the significance of keeping all of their fast bowlers in shape before the World Cup.
“That huge event, which entails practice games and a lot of travelling, we cannot risk injuries. We need significant bench strength, he continued.
“We place a high priority on player health and fitness ahead of the World Cup. Now that Ebadot is out, I want all four of our fast bowlers to stay healthy.
On September 29 and October 2, respectively, Bangladesh will play warm-up matches against Sri Lanka and England. On Saturday, October 7, they will compete in the tournament’s group stage at Dharamsala against Afghanistan.
