Shakib Al Hasan: Three is the magic number to enhance my batting
CARDIFF, WALES - JUNE 09: Shakib Al Hasan (L) of Bangladesh celbrates with Mahmudullah (R) after reaching his century during the ICC Champions Trophy match between New Zealand and Bangladesh at the SWALEC Stadium on June 9, 2017 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Bangladesh‘s all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan voiced his preference to secure the number three batting spot ahead of the Cricket World Cup in England this summer today.
Al Hasan, 32, has scored 492 runs at an average of 41 in 13 ODIs when coming in at number three and cited the opportunities available to him batting higher up.
He said: “There
was a time when I had to come on to the crease before the first ten overs even
if I batted at No.5.
“But now things have changed, I don’t get a chance to bat before
35-40 overs if I bat at the No.5 position.
“For me, I think, the earlier the better. So,
personally speaking, I want to play at No.3.
“I have also expressed my desire to the coach and the captain.
“But I don’t have any problem to play anywhere for the team.”
Their next match is against the West Indies in the Tri-Series on
13 May.
Bangladesh will open their World Cup campaign against South
Africa on 2 June at the Oval.
JOTI KAUR