30 May,2009 12:17 PM IST | | AFP
Bangladesh's think-tank must be secretly delighted that Mashrafe Mortaza was treated shabbily by his Kolkata Knight Riders team in the Indian Premier League.
The astonishing price tag of $6,00,000 paid by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan for Mortaza appeared a bad investment as coach John Buchanan confined the young fast bowler mostly to the reserves despite the team's dismal showing.
But warming the benches for five weeks left a frustrated Mortaza hungry for success on the field when he turns out for Bangladesh in the World Twenty20.
"I can't wait to get back on the field," said Mortaza. "It was a great experience mixing with all the top players in the IPL. I learnt so much just watching them.
"Now I want to play and do well for my country. That is the only thing on my mind."
Mortaza's desperation should please Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful and coach Jamie Siddons.
The 25-year-old has risen steadily since his dramatic debut in 2001 when he was launched into the Test squad by West Indian legend Andy Roberts, the then coach, even before he had played first-class cricket.
Mortaza's hard-hitting batting lower down the order makes him ideally suited for Twenty20 cricket where he has a strike-rate of 105.88 in nine matches and six wickets, although at an expensive economy rate of 9.22.
Now free from a spate of knee and back injuries that troubled him over the years, Mortaza must play a major role with both bat and ball if Bangladesh are to progress in the tournament.
"Mashrafe is obviously one of our key players," said coach Siddons. "The heavy English conditions will suit his style."
Skipper Ashraful added: "He is a kind of player you turn to when in trouble and invariably he will deliver whether it is with the bat or ball. The whole team relies on him. He is our superstar."
Bangladesh open their campaign against defending champions India in Nottingham on June 6, followed by the second group match against Ireland two days later at the same venue.
