Former Bangladesh international heading for Torquay this season

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

no re-use without consent of publisher

TORQUAY have signed former Bangladeshi Test player Sajidul Islam as their overseas professional for the 2021 season. 

Islam (32) is a pace bowling all-rounder who was due to play at the Recreation Ground last summer. But Covid-19 prevented a full, competitive season but Torquay have honoured their agreement and invited him back for the 2021 summer. Sajidul Islam

Islam made his First-Class debut in 2005 and since then the left-arm quick has an impressive domestic record taking 300-plus wickets in all forms of the game and scoring more than 2,000 runs from the middle-lower order.

Currently, Islam represents Rangpur in the First Class cricket, which has only recently resumed in Bangladesh. He played three Tests – two against New Zealand (2008), one against Zimbabwe (2013) – and a solitary T20I for Bangladesh. He has also played in the Bangladesh Premier League for Barisal Bulls.

TOURIST

Although he has never played league cricket in the UK before, Islam has toured here with Bangladesh A.

Mike Pugh, the director of development at the Recreation Ground, said: “Last summer, it was great to get some cricket played and it gave a major chance for some of the younger lads to grab opportunities without any pressure, which they all did. 

“Chris Kelmere, at the helm for the first time, was able to build a team culture and ethic. We were looking for an experienced professional who could assist the growth of our emerging talent and strengthen our team.’

‘With his impressive domestic record and all-round skill set, Islam will be quite a handful in the A Division of the Devon League in 2021.”