Litton dropped from Bangladesh squad for 3rd ODI, Jaker named replacement

Litton Das has been dropped from Bangladesh's squad for the series-deciding third ODI against Sri Lanka, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said on Saturday. Wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali, who was impressive in the T20I series, has been named as his replacement. 

Litton, who has been struggling with lack of form for more than a year, registered two successive ducks in the ongoing ODI series. He got out to left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka on both occasions and his glaring weakness against this type of bowling was exposed again. 

Litton has now got out to left-arm seamers 17 times in ODIs, averaging only 14.9 and striking at 68.5 against them.

The right-hander averages only 24.1 in ODIs since the start of 2023 and has now gone 10 innings without a fifty. 

Gazi Ashraf Hossain, Chairman of the National Selection Panel, explained the decision. "With the series now hanging in the balance, we believe Jaker Ali's addition will provide the team with more options and flexibility in the middle order."

"Considering Litton's recent performance in white-ball cricket, we opted for this change, mindful of the availability of two other capable openers within the squad."

Jaker, who blasted a superb 68 off 34 in the first T20I against Sri Lanka, earned his maiden ODI call-up. Jaker, who averages 34.9 in List A cricket, may not replace Litton in the squad. Anamul Haque and Tanzid Hasan are the top-order options in the squad and one of them could replace Litton in the XI for the third ODI.

SQUAD FOR 3rd ODI: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Anamul Haque, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman, Jaker Ali.