Shakib Al Hasan has been included in Bangladesh squad for the first of two tests against Pakistan.
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After Pakistan whitewashed the T20I series against the host team Bangladesh, the team management on Monday named the squad for the two match test series. The first test is scheduled to start from November 26 at Chattogram.
Star opener Tamim Iqbal has not been named following multiple injuries. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed required stitches in his hand due to an injury he sustained in the third T20I match against Pakistan. White ball skipper Mahmudullah will not play the series having quit test cricket earlier this year.
But ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been named for the first of two tests. Last month, Shakib suffered a serious hamstring injury during the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE. The southpaw was ruled out of the tournament.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief selector Minhajul Abedin said that Shakib’s fitness will be assessed before the first test. He added that there are consistent performers in the team and their presence will surely make a difference.
“We will obviously have to wait and see if Shakib makes it for the first test but the players who are in the squad have been the most consistent performers for us in tests and their presence can make a difference,” chief selector Minhajul Abedin said on Monday.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Rejaur Rahman Raja has been added to the squad who are uncapped in the longest format of game. Mahmudul Hasan Joy has shown consistent performances in the National Cricket League smashing two centuries. While Rejaur Rahman Raja picked 33 wickets in 10 first-class games.
“It is still early days for him but Mahmudul has shown good temperament for the longer version,” Abedin said.
“He is also an in-form batsman. With injury concerns to Taskin (Ahmed) and Shoriful (Islam), we needed to keep our pace bowling options open and Raja got the nod. We have been monitoring his performances in first-class competitions. He is strong and energetic and has a knack for taking wickets.”
Bangladesh Test squad: Mominul Haque (Captain), Shadman Islam, Saif Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Abu Jayed Rahi, Yasir Ali, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Shakib Al Hasan.
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