Ace Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is all set to return from his one-year ban imposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as he will make his comeback to the international arena with the upcoming home series against the West Indies.
His return was scheduled during the Sri Lanka series last October but the tour was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the upcoming bilateral series comprising 3 ODIs and 2 Tests against the West Indies at home will stage his comeback to international actions.
Well, Shakib is excited to represent his country again at the highest level but said his comeback would be “totally different” from the previous ones.
However, the former Bangladesh captain has insisted that there is “no pressure” about a comeback but admitted it “won't be easy” for him to dominating the international right from the start and his stats in the just-concluded Bangabandhu T20 Cup shows it.
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The all-rounder bowled economically, conceding only 204 runs in 34 overs at an economy rate of 6.00 and managed six wickets, but his performance with the bat was below-par, scoring only 110 runs at an average of 12.22 with a strike-rate of 120.87 in 9 games in the Bangabandhu T20 Cup.
As reported by Cricbuzz, Shakib stated: “This comeback is totally different. I was disappointed that I could not go to Sri Lanka. Thank you West Indies for coming here and I am excited about it.”
The veteran all-rounder further added, “I am happy that I am returning to international cricket and there is no pressure on me. But it won't be easy for me and I will try to get back my old form. If we cannot do well against the West Indies, it will be disappointing.”
Noteworthy, West Indies will arrive in Bangladesh on January 10 and will quarantine for seven days before playing a practice match on January 18 with the first ODI slated on January 20 in Dhaka – the venue will also host the second ODI on January 22 followed by the final ODI at Chattogram on January 25.
The tourists will also play a four-day practice game at the MA Aziz Stadium from January 28-31 before the first Test scheduled from February 3-7 at Chattogram's Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium followed by the second and final at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka from February 11-15.
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
