The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Opening batsman Shahriar Nafees pulled out from the Bangladesh squad that will tour Australia this month following the sudden announcement of his university examinations.

A 15-member Bangladesh cricket team will leave for Australia on Thursday (Aug 14) to play a three-match ODI series.

Nafees in a letter Tuesday requested the BCB to release him from the national squad and the selection committee accepted his prayer.

Top order batsman Nazumuddin, who was in the reserve list for Australia tour, will replace Shahriar Nafees, said a BCB release.

Mohammad Ashraful will lead the Bangladesh team, while pace spearhead Mashrafe Bin Mortaza will act as his deputy.

The three ODI matches between Bangladesh and Australia will be held on August 30, September 3 and 6 at the TIO Stadium in Darwin.

The tourists will also play five one-day practice matches against Australian Institute of Sports and Northern Territory Chief Minister's XI before playing the ODI series.

The first four one-day practice matches against Australian Institute of Sports are slated for August 18, 20, 23 and 25 at the Gardens Oval. The 5th one-day practice match against Northern Territory Chief Minister's XI will be held on August 27 also at the Garden's Oval.

Bangladesh Squad: Mohammad Ashraful (captain), Mashrafe Bin Mortaza (vice captain), Nazimuddin, Tamim Iqbal, Roqibul Hasan, Shakib Al Hasan, Alok Kapali, Dhiman Ghosh, Mahmudullah Riyad, Abdur Razzak, Shahadat Hossain, Farhad Reza, Mehrab Hossain Jr., Nazmul Hossain and Dollar Mahmud.