Shakib Al Hasan

Full name Shakib Al Hasan

Born March 24, 1987, Magura, Jessore

Current age 23 years 224 days

Major teams Bangladesh, Bangladesh A, Bangladesh Cricket Board XI, Khulna Division, Worcestershire

Also known as Saqibul Hasan

Batting style Left-hand bat

Bowling style Slow left-arm orthodox

Profile

Shakib Al Hasan is a left-arm spinner and talented batsman, who ensured his place in the Bangladesh squad for the U-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka with a blistering performance in the final of the tri-nations U-19 ODI tournament in Bangladesh. Firstly, he took 3 for 39 in the Sri Lankan innings and then scored 100 to guide Bangladesh to victory. Although primarily selected for his bowling, he has shown great potential with the bat. As well as the century, he has scored two half-centuries and has an Afridi-style strike rate of more than 106. Hasan made his one-day debut in the final match against Zimbabwe in July 2006. He scored an unbeaten 30 and helped steer Bangladesh to victory. Since then Hasan has proved to be an asset to his team. He scored his maiden ODI hundred, against Canada in a tri-series before the 2007 World Cup and a year later hit his first against a better attack - Pakistan's. His bowling has been penetrative and economical and his partnership with fellow left-armer Abdur Razzak has been a bonus for Bangladesh. Shakib rattled New Zealand with 7 for 36 in the 2008 Chittagong Test, which till date are the best figures by a Bangladesh bowler in an innings. His sensational batting took Bangladesh to their first ever tri-series final, against Sri Lanka, the following year. He's one of the most valuable and consistent performers in the team.

His best moment in the Test arena, till date, came when he led Bangladesh to their first-ever overseas Test series win, albeit against a second-string West Indies. Standing in for the injured captain Mashrafe Mortaza, Shakib slammed an unbeaten 96 in Grenada and also picked up the Man-of-the-Series prize for his 13 wickets.

Australia Vs Sri Lanka 1st One Day International 3 Nov Live

The short but important series is going to kick off on 3rd November. The series is important for two reasons: World Cup is just around the corner, Ashes is next month. The tour opener T20 was won comprehensively by Sri Lanka. That result may play a significant role on Wednesday's game.

Australia just lost their first ever T20 game at home. There is little doubt that Australian team is going through a horrendous time, nothing seems to be going right for them. The former imperial master is losing its way, that too at the worst possible time.

Australia would be strengthened by the return of Ricky Ponting, Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson. The return of the embattled captain Ponting may not be as welcomed as it seems. Shane Watson however has been in supreme form for a long time now, perhaps the only Australian in recent times who have shown the true class that Aussies once had.

Nathan Hauritz, the struggling Australian spinner will be accompanied by Steve Smith and the surprise selection Xavier Doherty, the Tasmania spinner. The return of injured keeper Brad Haddin was a decent one. Australians are surely feeling the heat; it would be interesting to see how they cope with it. Michael Clarke said that Australia need to find form before the Ashes. Australia are always a tough team to beat at home. The game on 3rd November can spark an Aussie revival or can further dump them down.

Australia have won two of their last completed 5 games.

Sri Lankans are having problems of their own. Back in home there have been criticisms on the national teams and involvement of politics in cricket. Sangakara, the Sri Lankan captain remains positive and says their team is preparing for the World Cup amid controversies.

Sri Lanka have had a decent time on the field, winning Asia Cup and Triangular series in Zimbabwe. Sri Lanka looked a well gelled unit when they crushed Australia at WACA. Angelo Mathews return from an injury will boost Sri Lankan bowling and lower order batting.

Murlitharan has only one day cricket on his mind now. Sri Lankan bowling made Australian batsmen hop around at WACA; Suraj Randiv was the most impressive. Lasith Malinga found excellent form and rhythm on the tour opener. The Sri Lankans know that Australia is a tough opponent at home, but they would be confident ahead of Wednesday's game.

Sri Lanka have managed three victories out of their last five games.