Mohammad Ashraful appointed as Bangladesh captain, Mortaza deputy

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have appointed Bangladesh middle order batsman Mohammad Ashraful as captain for both Test and ODI team till the end of the Twenty20 world cup in September. Pace spearhead Mashrafe Mortaza has been named as the deputy of Ashraful in both forms of the game.

With this appointment, Ashraful replaces Habibul Bashar, who recently stepped down as ODI captain, but was willing to continue as Test captain. Bashar was the most successful captain of Bangladesh history, and led Bangladesh in 29 ODI wins and the solitary Test win.

Ashraful in his instant reaction paid tribute to outgoing captain Bashar and promised to lead the team with examples.

"I must say Bashar was the most successful captain of the country. His ability to lead the team both on and off the field with calmness along with coach Dav Whatmore has set a standard for the team, so I have to continue it. It's a big challenge but I am ready for it," said Ashraful, who so far has played 35 Tests and 101 one-day internationals for Bangladesh.

Ashraful’s first assignment will be to lead the team in Sri Lanka, where he made his Test debut, for a three match Test series and equal number of ODIs.

Meanwhile Bangladesh have appointed Shaun Williams, current Bangladesh A team coach, as the interim coach for Sri Lanka tour. Former Bangladesh coach Sarwar Imran will act as the deputy of Williams for the test and ODI series.