Bangladesh coach Hathurusingha tight-lipped on exclusion of pacer Rubel

Christchurch, Jan 19 (IANS) Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha has said overlooking fast bowler Rubel Hossain for the Test series against New Zealand was a decision taken in the "best interest of the team".

The Sri Lankan, however, declined to give any clear reason for the decision, reports bdnews24.com.

The second Test begins here on Friday. Bangladesh lost the first Test by seven wickets.

Hathurusingha hinted that Rubel, who took seven wickets in the three-match Twenty20 series, had little chance to play in the series-concluding second Test.

Although Bangladesh's new look three-pronged pace attack from the last match was not too ineffective, their inexperience gives them the "benefit of doubt" for their performance.

So, unsurprisingly, the decision to leave out Rubel was met with scrutiny from fans, followers and even opposing players.

The Bangladesh coach and captain remained out of reach for reporters during the first Test at Wellington, so it was not possible to get their views on the matter.

Hathurusingha said about Rubel's omission: "I don't need to give any logic to you (for excluding Rubel). I do what I feel would be best for the team."

The Test records of the 27-year-old right-arm pacer do not speak kindly for him. He has bagged only 32 wickets in 23 Tests.

But the issue remains a subject of scrutiny before the second Test at Hagley Oval where the match will be played on a greener track than the one used at Basin Reserve in Wellington.