'Bangladesh team resemble Sri Lanka 1996 World Cup winners'

The present Bangladesh team led by paceman Mashrafe Bin Mortaza reminds former captain Aminul Islam of Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup winning team.

That Lions team managed by former Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore were just a decent side and the pundits did not expect them to go all the way to the title. But the likes of Sanath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Kaluwitharana, Aravinda De Silva and captain Arjuna Ranatunga proved everyone wrong by lifting the trophy in Lahore.

Aminul thinks this Bangladesh team have players who are not afraid to take risks and that makes the team similar to Ranatunga's World Cup winners.

"We have players who can keep their cool as well. So you get a balanced side. If they can play their own game, on a given day the can shock any team in the world."

"The bowling department has diversity, everyone is unique. What Mashrafe offers is different than what Rubel or Jayed bring to the side. Mustafiz is from another category. Our spinners Mehedi Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan complemente ach other. We just need to make our ability count," said the former Bangladesh captain.

Aminul is also very hopeful about the batting side, "We have a great line-up. And everyone is in great form. The success in ireland has certainly boosted the morale of the team."

The country's first Test centurion, however, wants to see Shakib bat a few spots down the order. "He is not someone who should bat at number three. I want him to bat later, because we will have to chase big totals in England. If someone like him gets out early in the game after going to bat one down, it will create pressure on the team," Aminul observed.

But does that mean Mushfiqur Rahim should bat at three? Aminul does not want that, too. "Mushfiq is our best batsman. I want him to come at number four. I want to see someone who has the experience of facing new balls to come at number three," he added.