MASHRAFE MORTAZA Right-arm fast-medium bowler; right-handed batsman

FACTFILE DOB: 5.10.83 Test debut: v Sri Lanka, Colombo, 2002 ODI debut: v Sri Lanka, Colombo, 2002

The one real pace bowler of the side, Mortaza gained good reviews during Bangladesh's tour of Australia, where he took four wickets in two difficult Test innings.

With Courtney Walsh as his idol and and other West Indian, Andy Roberts as a coach during his formative years, Mortaza has a chance to stake a claim as his country's pace spearhead.

Coach Dav Whatmore tempers that enthusiasm, saying: "Another youngster, Mashrafe's first first-class match was a Test so he's very much on the learning curve at the moment."

"But he's got the potential to become a good player for us."