Re: Rafique
Rafique is a spinner. He age hasn't hampered his ability as spin bowler or put his fitness into question. He doesn't need long runs ups and he has proven in the recently concluded Premier League that there is still hone left in his delivaries. The only reason he wasn't picked is because the gurus in the Bangladesh Chorer Board feel that the only way BD is going to win is to have youngsters have a crack at it. This reason can only be given weight granted BD had talents to replace the older playes. Their only consession has been Asraful who scored a century in his maiden test, which is proving to be a fluke as the days go by. In addition, Rafique has been at odds with the board ever since snubbing the BCB after he was picked for the BD A team for the Busta Cup. Some said he did not go because of financial reason, opting to play in the league than sign a contract with the BCB. Others claimed that it was his way of getting back at the BCB for ignoring him in the national team selection. Whatever, his reasons may have been, things in the past should be burried in the past. He is a top bowler in a country where new bowling talents are proving hard to come by.
Rafique undoubtly has more turn with the ball than Fahim and he can keep the batsman guessing. Not to mention he bowls a tighter line than Fahim. In the inugural test match against India he bowled 53 overs, giving away just over 2 runs an over, taking 3 wickets. That has to be considered an achievement given the flat wicket of Dhaka Stadium. In addition, Fahim's bowling has proven to be all the more predictable as the innings stretch on. It was due time that he was included back in top 11.
[Edited on 18-7-2002 by Ockey]
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