Bangladesh bring back Mosaddek Hossain for ODIs vs Australia in 2026

Mosaddek Hossain returns to Bangladesh's ODI squad after a four-year absence for the series against Australia.

Mosaddek's recall explained Mosaddek last featured in an ODI in August 2022 but is enjoying a standout Dhaka Premier League (DPL) season this year. Across five matches, he has scored a century and two half-centuries while averaging 89. His off-spin bowling has also been effective, claiming 11 wickets at an average of 16.27. Mosaddek has shown steady performances in the DPL over the past three seasons. ## Middle-order reinforcement Mosaddek is expected to fill a middle-order slot as one of the few reliable domestic run-scorers in that position. Nurul Hasan joins the squad to strengthen the middle-order after Afif and Mahidul struggled to deliver the required runs in the middle overs. Chief selector Habibul Bashar explained the tactical shift, stating they could not provide ample opportunities to Afif and Mahidul. He added, 'Replacing them is a tactical change.' ## Player roles and form Mosaddek could bat at number six, with Bashar highlighting his good form in the DPL and all-round abilities. The selector mentioned Mosaddek bowls well and could provide balance in the middle-order. Nurul Hasan replaces Mahidul because the latter is primarily a top-order batter, while Nurul typically bats around number six or seven as a wicketkeeper-batter. Bashar believes Nurul is more skilled in that role. ## Batting struggles highlighted Bangladesh's batting has not fired consistently in their last two ODI series against Pakistan and New Zealand. Only Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto have contributed runs regularly, while Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy have failed to impress in the ODI format. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz has also been below his batting standards from 2022-23, though he remains effective with the ball. ## Bowling department focus Bangladesh will rely heavily on their bowlers, particularly Nahid Rana, who has taken five-wicket hauls in both ODIs and Tests since March. The pace attack features Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam, with Rishad Hossain set to use his familiarity with Australian batters from his Big Bash League experience. ## Series details and history The ODIs against Australia will take place in Mirpur on June 9, 11, and 14. This marks Bangladesh's first bilateral ODI series against Australia in 15 years. Their only ODI win against Australia came in a 2005 tri-series match held in Cardiff. ## Bangladesh ODI squad for first two matches The squad includes Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Mosaddek Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.