Dhaka, Oct 19 (NationPress) The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially declared on Sunday that left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed has been integrated into the ODI squad for the ongoing three-match series against the West Indies. This decision to include the 30-year-old spinner highlights the team's management's commitment to bolstering their spin department following a first ODI that heavily favored spin bowling.

Nasum, who last played in an ODI in December 2024, has made 18 appearances in this format, capturing 16 wickets at an economy rate of 4.48. His return appears to be a strategic choice, driven by the spin-friendly conditions observed in the series opener at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) in Mirpur.

In the first ODI on Saturday, the pitch was slow and favored spin, leading to a significant impact from spinners on both sides. For the West Indies, left-arm spinner Khary Pierre delivered a stunning spell, conceding just 19 runs in 10 overs, while off-spinner Roston Chase contributed with two vital wickets. Nonetheless, it was the spin attack from Bangladesh that truly shone. Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain and left-arm orthodox Tanvir Islam combined to take eight wickets, playing crucial roles in achieving a comfortable victory for the hosts.

With Bangladesh currently leading the series 1-0, the addition of Nasum Ahmed enhances the team's variety and depth in their spin options. The next two ODIs are set to take place at the same venue on October 21 and 23, where spin is anticipated to once again be a decisive factor.

Bangladesh squad: Mehidy Hassan Miraz (captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Soumay Sarker, Mohammed Saif Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Nasum Ahmed.