Rubel eyes to finish World Cup as one of top five bowlers

Dhaka – Bangladesh speedster Rubel Hossain insisted on Friday he wants to finish the ICC World Cup 2019 as one of the best five bowlers.

The right-handed pacer recovered from a side strain that prevented him to play all the matches during Bangladesh recent tri-series in Ireland.

Before the main assault in the World Cup, Bangladesh will play two official warm-up matches against Pakistan and India respectively on May 26 and 28. Both of the matches will take place at the Sophia Garden, Cardiff. The Tigers conducted a training session at Cardiff on Friday.

“Now I am fully fit. I bowled with full speed in the last 4-5 sessions. Can say me full fit to play in the World Cup,” Rubel was seen to tell the media in a video message which was sent by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

The right-handed pacer played only a match in the tri-series in Ireland and bagged a wicket conceding 41 runs. But in the other matches, he was sidelined due to the injury.

In the current circumstances, Rubel’s place in Bangladesh’s playing XI is not confirmed as before because of Mohammad Saifuddin, who has been doing well with the ball in hand. At the same time, the all-rounder is also effective with the ball at the lower of the order.

However, Rubel is not bothered by the combination of the team. The pacer is just thinking about doing well if he gets a chance.

“Everyone wants to do well. I am also one of them. If I get a chance in the practice game I will try my best to do well. I think if I do well it will help me to get a chance in the World Cup as well,” Rubel further told the media.

“I want to bowl well. I want to contribute to the win of the team. If I get a chance, I will try to give my best. The all cricketing fraternity will keep an eye in the World Cup. If I get a chance in all the matches and perform well, my goal is to finish the tournament as one of the best five bowlers.”UNB