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TL;DR
- Surrey signs Bangladeshi star Shakib Al Hasan for a crucial County Championship match against Somerset due to eight players being on England duty.
- The match is a top-of-the-table clash at Taunton, with Surrey currently 24 points ahead of Somerset.
- Shakib, a renowned all-rounder, brings extensive experience with over 14,000 international runs and 700 wickets.
- Surrey will also face Somerset in the T20 Blast semi-finals at Edgbaston, adding to the competitive rivalry.
Surrey County Cricket Club has made a strategic move by signing Bangladeshi cricket star Shakib Al Hasan for their crucial County Championship match against Somerset. This top-of-the-table clash is set to take place at Taunton, starting Monday, September 9, 2024. Shakib, aged 37, is widely regarded as one of Bangladesh’s greatest-ever cricketers, known for his exceptional skills as an all-rounder. His inclusion in the Surrey squad comes at a critical time as the team is currently 24 points ahead of Somerset.
Surrey’s decision to bring in Shakib was influenced by the absence of eight key players who are committed to England’s national team duties. Among those unavailable are Ollie Pope, Jamie Smith, Dan Lawrence, and Gus Atkinson, all of whom are engaged in Test matches. Additionally, Surrey will face Somerset again in the T20 Blast semi-finals at Edgbaston on Saturday.
Alec Stewart, Surrey’s director of cricket, expressed confidence in Shakib’s abilities, stating, ‘When the opportunity to bring a player of the quality of Shakib to the club came along, it was an easy decision to make. We’ve been aware for a period of time that this fixture was likely to be one where we would have a significant number of players away on England duty and, in particular, missing two of our spinning all-rounders. Shakib brings a wealth of experience and outstanding skill with bat and ball, and we look forward to seeing what he can do for Surrey.’
Shakib Al Hasan’s cricketing credentials are impressive. He has scored over 4,500 runs in Test cricket at an average of 38 and has taken just under 250 wickets. His international career boasts more than 14,000 runs and 700 wickets, making him Bangladesh’s leading wicket-taker in Test, ODI, and Twenty20 formats.
Surrey’s previous match against Nottinghamshire ended in a high-scoring draw, with notable performances from Rory Burns, who scored 161, and Sai Sudharsan, who achieved his first century for Surrey. Despite the draw, Surrey remains a dominant force in the County Championship, having secured three wins in their last five games.
As the match against Somerset approaches, Surrey will rely on Shakib’s vast experience and skill to maintain their lead in the championship. Somerset, led by captain Lewis Gregory, has shown strong form, particularly with Tom Abell’s impressive batting average of 78.85 this season. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two top teams vying for the championship title.
Source: BBC News
