'Want to be ready for nat'l call-up'

Rubel Hossain must be feeling a bit hard done by. He was the highest wicket-taker in the three-match T20I series in New Zealand. He played the second Test and although he did not grab any wickets, he seemed quite fierce and also boasted a better economy rate than the other pacers in the team.

It is not uncommon for players to lose their motivation after being dropped from the national team despite putting in a decent performance. However, yesterday's performance for South Zone in the Bangladesh Cricket League suggests that Rubel still has plenty of fire. He took a five-wicket haul and overshadowed his more sought-after partner, Mustafizur Rahman.

Speaking to reporters after the day's play yesterday, Rubel said that he was delighted to finish with figures of five for 22 in East Zone's first innings.

“I don't play the Bangladesh Cricket League regularly. So in that context it feels really good to take a five-wicket haul after such a long time. The wicket here helped the pacers a bit and I tried to utilise it. I just tried to bowl as per the coach's plan,” said Rubel.

“I want to keep myself ready for the national team at all times. I didn't get a chance to go to India and that's why I am here. I am trying to perform well here. I will try to continue bowling well in the rest of the games and the rest will depend upon the selectors,” he added.

His partner Mustafizur Rahman, who scalped a two-wicket haul yesterday, hopes that playing in the BCL can help him recover his confidence.

“I wanted to play in the BCL in order to gain confidence. I felt good today. Hope we can complete a big win. I had no problem bowling today. But there is a bit of a pain in my hip. That will go away steadily,” said Mustafizur.