Mahfijul Islam Robin, currently the leading run-scorer in the ongoing National Cricket League (NCL), is in contention for a spot as a backup opener in Bangladesh’s squad for the upcoming two-Test series in South Africa. Mahmudul Hasan Joy is also being considered for the away series, a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official confirmed to TIMES on Wednesday.
Bangladesh are scheduled to leave for South Africa on 11 November, following the second Test against West Indies in Sylhet. The first Test will begin on 15 November at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, while the second is scheduled to start on 23 November at Centurion.
“Robin and Joy are both in our plans for the South Africa Tests. Robin is in good form, while Joy is also having a good time with the bat,” the official said.
Robin, who represents Mymensingh Division, is currently leading the NCL run charts with 672 runs from 10 innings at an average of 74.66. His tally includes one double-century, three centuries and two half-centuries. He also featured in Bangladesh’s two-day practice match against West Indies recently.
Meanwhile, Joy, who is currently outside the Test setup, last played a Test against Zimbabwe in Harare. He was left out of the squad for the Australia series as well as the one-off Test against Afghanistan.
However, the right-handed batter remains the only Bangladeshi to have scored a Test century in South Africa, having made 137 against the Proteas in Durban during Bangladesh’s 2022 tour.
The Chattogram batter is currently sixth on the NCL run charts, with 422 runs from seven innings at an average of 60.28. His tally includes one century and four half-centuries.
Bangladesh will also play three-match ODI and T20I series against South Africa. Mystery spinner MD Rubel, who finished as the leading wicket-taker in the recent Top End T20 with 23 scalps, is also being considered for the T20I squad.
“We are planning to keep Rubel in the squad as per plan for T20Is in South Africa,” the official said.
