The 20-year-old Bangladesh vice-captain has set a rare example of consistency in recent times to give his colleagues some food for thought.

Once there had been talking about only the talent but the time has come to think about how a batsman stands to the world level and no doubt that average is the most important criteria to ensure one's position in the highest level of the game.

Nafees stands far away from his teammates with a healthy average in both versions of the game and his 41.66-run average in 30 one-day internationals -- which includes three hundreds and six fifties -- is undoubtedly exemplary for the others.

His form has brought Bangla-desh's two most talented batsmen -- Mohammad Ashraful and Aftab Ahmed -- under scrutiny and it could be an interesting study to know how both the batsmen think about the issue.

Aftab has improved his average in shorter-version of the game with his recent performances but still, an average of 26.41 in 44 games does not reflect his ability as a standard batsman. On the other hand, nobody can be blamed for branding Ashraful as an ordinary batsman considering his average -- 19.92 in 80 matches -- and many believed that he has yet to flourish his potential so far.

After Nafees's run spree the question was asked to both the batsmen whether they were concerned about their poor averages and they had their own explanations.

"I must agree that Nafees has showed a rare kind of consistency to maintain a very good average. I am very much aware of the fact that my average poor if compared with him," admitted Ashraful, who was included in squad following his tremendous form in the National Cricket League.

"What I realise is that he uses his head besides hard-work to get success at this level which actually makes the difference. No doubt his batting is an inspiration to us and it has forced everybody to rethink about their batting," said the ace right-hander, who played some brilliant innings to surprise the cricket world but failed to maintain consistency.

But Ashraful found another reason behind Nafees's success at this level.

"I think we had to play some formidable opponents in the initial stages but it is not the case at all for him. But I must give credit to him because he has capitalised the opportunities which we couldn't do," he explained.

On the other hand, Aftab also echoed the same sentiment but said that he was now more focused to improve his average.

"No doubt Nafees batted brilliantly, especially his last hundred was absolutely brilliant. We heard some sweet sounds from the dressing room during his knock that simply reflects his great form. Honestly speaking I am really concerned about my average which is not good for any international batsman," said Aftab.

"I played with Nafees at age level and I must say he has improved a lot. Actually he is mentally very tough and always tries to cling to the middle which is the key to success.

"I'm very much confident that I can better my average within a short time because now my main objective is to carry the innings as long as possible," he hoped.

Now only time can tell how the two talented guys take inspiration from their junior teammate.