Bangladesh recall Ashraful for Asia Cup

Bangladesh have recalled seasoned middle-order batsman Mohammad Ashraful for the four-nation Asia Cup in Sri Lanka next week.

Bangladesh Cricket Board chief selector Rafiqul Alam said the 25-year-old, who was dropped for the home one-day series against England in March, is back in form.

"He batted well in the World Twenty20 and made a fine half century against Pakistan. He also looked in good touch in the practice matches in England," Alam told AFP.

Middle-order batsman Jahurul Islam, who played in the recent Test series in England, also finds a place in the squad, while injury-plagued Syed Rasel is back after an absence of six months.

"Jahurul was the highest scorer in the local league this year," said Alam.

"We are confident he'll play well."

India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are the other teams in the limited overs tournament to be played in the central Sri Lankan town of Dambulla from June 15 to 24.

Each team plays the other once in the league, with the top two advancing to the final.

Bangladesh's squad:

Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Jahurul Islam, Junaid Siddique, Mohammad Ashraful, Mohammad Mahmudullah, Mashrafe Mortaza, Naeem Islam, Abdur Razzak, Syed Rasel, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Suhrawadi Shuvo.

Coach: Jamie Siddons (Ausstralia).