Rookie Abu Jayed Rahi was nowhere in the discussion during the build-up for the World Cup squad as it was all about either Taskin Ahmed or Shafiul Islam to fill the quota of the fifth seam bowler in the 15-member squad but national selectors showed their faith to include him in the coveted WC squad, reports BSS.
But none of them made the cut finally when the team management reached in a consensus that they need a bowler who can swing the ball in both ways in English condition and Abu Jayed Rahi was the automatic as he is perhaps now the only pacer in the country can swing the ball.
Jayed, popularly known as Rahi makes it in the last minute and that was largely due to head coach Steve Rhodes’ insistence to pick the bowler in the WC squad.
According to Jayed the news of his inclusion came through the phone that he received from a reporter and he said he lost his words to express his feeling.
”I knew at around 12pm. You all called me. I knew then and it was good for me. Since it is the World Cup squad, the feeling is really good,” Jayed said today.
”It was surprising. I hoped that I can be in the 20-member team. I played well in two matches of the premier league. I was surprised when I heard that I am in the 15-member team,” he said.
Jayed however knew what skill he has, was on e of the reason behind his inclusion in the World Cup squad and he is optimistic to use it perfectly if he finally plays a game in the cricket’s showpiece event.
”It is ideal for the pace bowlers to play in the country like England. We can swing the ball in that condition. Since my main strength is swing, I am really optimistic,” he said.
Jayed so far played five Test and three T20 Internationals for Bangladesh but is yet to make debut in ODI cricket.
”I played in England back in 2009 in an aged-level cricket. It has been 10 years. Now, I am eager to play in England. I think it will help me in England because the best batsmen of New Zealand rated me well. They said if I try more I can dominate in international cricket,” he added.
Jayed said that he is looking forward to make an impression against England and India.
”Usually England and India are special opponents. I will say the name of England at first, then India,” he said.