Shakib Al Hasan : Bangladesh Cricket

Profile

A talented middle order batsman and a probing, economical left-arm spinner, Shakib Al Hasan is one of the most prized assets in Bangladesh cricket today. In a country that has over the years failed to produce top class cricketers, Shakib is a rare breed as he has not only proved his vitality in both the batting and bowling departments but his leadership qualities have also seen a more courageous and confident Bangladesh unit taking to the field.

The Magura born Shakib made his ODI debut in 2006 primarily as a bowler, but over time started concentrating on his batting. However his bowling talents were re-discovered in the 2008 home Test series against New Zealand where in an exceptional first game, he ran through the Kiwi line-up with figures of 7-37 in the first innings and a fluent 71 in the second innings also reiterated his batting skills. Gradually, he became the undisputed all rounder in the side, a player with a calm head who could be relied upon in crisis situations. His ability to assume responsibility was highlighted in an ODI against Pakistan in 2008 where with a fine 108, the southpaw helped his team to a respectable total after they were reeling at 16-4 at one stage. His growth as a player saw him being elevated to vice captaincy in 2009 but Shakib showed he was up for captaincy when as a stand-in captain on the fifth day of the opening Test against West Indies in 2009, he led Bangladesh to its first ever victory on foreign soil.

Mashrafe Mortaza’s long term injury saw Shakib getting a prolonged shot at captaincy and though his stints as captain had its highs and lows, he continued to come through leaps and bounds as a player. But in mid-2010, he decided give up captaincy as the added pressure of leading the side was affecting his game. But fate had other plans as Mortaza once again fell prey to injury and Shakib was asked to lead the side in the 2010 home ODI series against New Zealand in which Bangladesh thrashed the Kiwis by a whopping 4-0 margin. The following year, Bangladesh toured Zimbabwe to play a one-off Test and five ODIs against them. Under skipper Shakib, the team put up a disastrous performance as Zimbabwe beat them by 136 runs in their only Test and also clinched the ODI series 3-2. Immediate repercussions of the defeat saw the Shakib being axed as the captain by the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

Fast Facts

• Shakib Al Hasan was named '’Wisden Test cricketer of the Year’' in 2009.
• He became the first ever Bangladeshi to play English county cricket when in 2010, he debuted for Worcestershire.
• Shakib was the highest wicket taker in ODIs in 2010 with 46 wickets at an average of just 26.
• He became the second Bangladeshi bowler to take a 7-wicket haul in Test cricket.
• Shakib also became the first Bangladeshi to have scored five centuries in ODIs.
• He also became the second player after Mohammad Ashraful to have scored an ODI century as Bangladesh captain.
• He finished off 2010 rated as the best all rounder in ODIs by the ICC.
• Shakib also has the credential of leading Bangladesh to its first overseas series Test win in 2009.