A youngster marked for big things is Shahriar Nafees and why not? With just five first class matches behind him the left-handed opening batsman was thrust into the Test squad for their maiden tour of England in 2005. At this stage itself his batting was so assured that his under-19 coach reckoned that he had the talent and temperament to become a future Test captain. A quick learner the ambitious Shahriar cashed in on his opportunity when he made 75 in the final ODI against Australia. He made further progress in both Tests and ODIs during the 2005-06 season and in April 2006 came his greatest moment when he stroked his way to a splendid century against the mighty Australians at Fatullah. His 138 studded with 19 fours was his maiden first class century as well. Thanks in the main to the youngsters pyrotechnics Bangladesh rattled up 355 for five on the first day. He got 33 in the second innings and a quick 79 in the second Test to underline his class and skill. At 20, Shahriar was appointed vice captain for the Champions Trophy in India in October 2006 obviously being groomed as a successor to Habibul Bashar. The icing on the cake was when he was named his countrys cricketer of the year in September and it was a beaming Shahriar who received the award at a function got up by the Bangladesh Cricket Board. ``I am really excited to have got the award. I hope this is just a beginning,he said. One can be quite sure it is the start of a successful road ahead for this level headed and talented youngster. Incidentally he has also been nominated in the Emerging Player of the year category in the ICC awards to be presented in October.

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