DHAKA, Bangladesh (CMC) — In a bid to revitalise their struggling batting unit, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a bolstered One-day International (ODI) squad for the upcoming three-match series against the West Indies, beginning on Saturday.

The selectors have reinforced the top and middle order by recalling experienced batter Soumya Sarkar and including uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Mahidul Islam Ankon.

Those players replace top-order batsman Mohammad Naim and young fast bowler Nahid Rana, both of whom were part of the side that suffered a 0-3 series whitewash against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.

The changes come on the heels of a dismal batting collapse in the final ODI against Afghanistan, in which Bangladesh were bowled out for a paltry total to lose by 200 runs.

Soumya Sarkar’s return marks a welcome comeback after a frustrating administrative delay prevented him from joining the T20I squad against Afghanistan when his UAE visa was not processed in time. He last featured in the ODI format back in February.

The new face in the squad, Mahidul Islam Ankon, brings promise based on consistent domestic form.

Though his only international cap came in a Test against South Africa last year, he has been a standout performer in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, the country’s premier List A competition.

Over the last two seasons, he has boasted an impressive average of 46.86, including one century and ten half-centuries.

Despite the recent team struggles, the national selectors have maintained faith in several out-of-form players, including Najmul Hossain Shanto, Jaker Ali, and Shamim Hossain.

The spin attack, led by Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain, remains unchanged, as does the core of the pace battery featuring Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed.

The series against the West Indies kicks off on Saturday, with the second and third matches scheduled for October 21 and 23.

Bangladesh ODI squad — Mehidy Hassan Miraz (capt), Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mahidul Islam (wk), Jaker Ali (wk), Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wk), Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Hasan Mahmud.