Taijul misses Australia squad cut

Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam paved the way for a few eyebrows to be raised when he was seen practicing with the national side during their first training session ahead of the upcoming One Day International series against Australia at the Mirpur Sher-e Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday, despite not being part of the 15-member squad.

Sources confirmed to Daily Sun that if the wicket assists spinners, the team management might need an extra tweaker, in which case Taijul could be added as a 16th member.

However, the team management later decided against including the experienced spinner, with Bangladesh most likely to play on a sporting wicket against the Australians.

Meanwhile, Taijul's Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League side Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited had been worried about his availability for Monday's important match against Dhaka Leopards at Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan-3.

Mohammedan sources confirmed to Daily Sun that late on Sunday evening, Taijul confirmed that he would be available for the fixture.

"Yes, he just confirmed he will be playing tomorrow (Monday)," a Mohammedan source said.