Shakib al hasan. (Photo Source: Instagram)
Due to there being a severe shortfall of players with eight of their players pre-occupied with the third Test against Sri Lanka as well as the commencement of the T20I series against Australia, director of cricket of Surrey, Alec Stewart, has confirmed the roping in of star Bangladeshi all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, into their side.
Stewart provided the aforementioned reason as the main cause of seeking to bring a seasoned campaigner like Shakib on board.
“We’ve been aware for a period of time that this fixture was likely to be one where we would have a significant number of players away on England duty and, in particular, missing two of our spinning all-rounders. When the opportunity to bring a player of the quality of Shakib to the club came along, it was an easy decision to make. Shakib brings a wealth of experience and outstanding skill with bat and ball and we look forward to seeing what he can do for Surrey,” stated Stewart, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
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I am pleased to get the chance to represent the club: Shakib
Shakib, who is coming off a successful two-match Test series in Pakistan and will be featuring for Bangladesh in the upcoming series against India, was unrestrained in his commendation for the legacy of the club.
“Surrey are one of the most prestigious clubs in the world and I am pleased to get the chance to represent the club. I’m coming here to have an impact and help the team achieve their goals for the season,” mentioned Shakib.
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Although Shakib will only be playing one game which is against Somerset in Taunton, it will serve as good game time for him as well as function as an ideal buildup for the crucial series 10 days later. Interestingly, Shakib was the first from Bangladesh to represent a county side, with his first stint coming in Division Two of the 2010 season for Worcestershire. He registered his best first-class figures of 7/32, a statistic which has not been surpassed ever since, while representing them.