Bangladesh national selector Habibul Bashar said on Monday that they have dropped the senior campaigner Mahmudullah to examine their bench strength against Ireland in the one day international series at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on March 18.

‘It’s very important to dig into our bench. If they don't provide an opportunity for the reserve players to be prepared, then it is really tough to replace someone when he is injured during a significant series,’ said Habibul.

Despite Habibul saying such, it is understood that the Bangladesh team management opted to axe the middle-order on the back of his dismal outing in the recently concluded three ODIs against the touring England, where he finished with 31, 32, and 8.

Moreover, his below-par fielding in recent times may have impelled the team management to think otherwise.  

The former Bangladesh skipper further expressed his ecstasy thanks to the majestic shows of the Tigers in the ongoing three Twenty20 internationals against the touring England, that paved their way to leading the series by 2-0, adding that they would be looking to win the last and final game as well.

‘The most satisfactory part was that we could see a glimpse of the style of play that we are aiming to feature in the T20Is.’

‘Of course we would be playing with the thought of winning the match.’

The third final match will be played on Tuesday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium at 3 p.m.