Bangladesh’s one-day international skipper Mashrafee bin Murtaza said on Sunday that he is leading the Tigers successfully due to a combined effort put in by Test skipper Mushfiqur Rahim and his current deputy Sakib al Hasan. Mashrafee, who succeeded Mushfiq as ODI skipper in this series, said the duo are playing a major role in making plans for the team as both Mushfiq and Sakib are experienced enough to recognise the shortcomings of the opponents.
‘All three of us make a good combination,’ Mashrafee told reporters at Mirpur, highlighting the contribution of the other two.
‘I take advices from Mushfiqur [Rahim] on and off the field. He watches the batsmen closely, and he is also a capable leader,’ said Mashrafee.
‘I think Sakib was one of our most successful captains. I don’t take the additional challenge of the captaincy,’ said Mashrafee.
The presence of Mushfiq and Sakib in the team helped Mashrafee put some concentration on his own game, which proved to be crucial for Bangladesh’s success.
‘I do take challenge as a player,’ said the experienced pace bowler.
Mashrafee failed to reach his potential both as a player and as a Tigers captain due to his injury and now after a long time is looking all set to complete his assignment without any major health issue.
BCB president Nazmul Hasan recently said that they are happy with Mashrafee as ODI skipper though they are keeping a close eye on his fitness before announcing him as the Bangladesh skipper for the upcoming ICC World Cup.
As a result they opted to keep Sakib next in command for the ODIs so that he can take over whenever it is required.
Mashrafee seemed least bothered about the captaincy issue rather he is eyeing to make up his lost time in ODIs and Twenty20s after his several injuries.
‘If the BCB decides on whoever is the captain, I will be more than happy,’ said Mashrafee.
‘If I am performing I should play all ODIs and T20s since I don’t play Test matches,’ he said.
‘It wouldn’t be an honest decision to skip ODIs despite being fit.’
Having played four consecutive ODIs without any break, Mashrafee is confident regarding his lingering fitness issues.
‘The last match was tough for me as there was just a day’s gap before the game,’ said Mashrafee.
‘After playing that game, I got a bit more confident,’ he said.
-With New Age input
