Uncapped batter Mahfijul Islam Robin has joined the Bangladesh squad during the second Test against West Indies in Sylhet, as the selectors continue to assess options for the upcoming two-Test series in South Africa.
Robin, who is in contention for a place in the South Africa-bound squad, was seen at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Thursday alongside bowling coach Talha Jubair and fielding coach Ashiqur Rahman Majumder.
Soon after the lunch break, the right-handed batter headed to the Sylhet stadium’s academy ground nets, where he faced Shoriful Islam and Ebadot Hossain under the supervision of assistant coach Malibongwe Maketa and Talha.
As reported earlier by TIMES, Robin is among the candidates being considered as a backup opener for the South Africa Tests, with Mahmudul Hasan Joy also in contention. A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official confirmed to TIMES on Wednesday that both batters were in the selectors’ plans.
“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 in the National Cricket League (NCL), is currently the competition’s leading run-scorer. He has amassed 672 runs in 10 innings at an average of 74.66, including a double-century, three centuries and two half-centuries.
He also featured in Bangladesh’s recent two-day practice match against West Indies.
Bangladesh are scheduled to leave for South Africa on November 11, following the conclusion of the Sylhet Test. The first Test will begin on November 15 at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, with the second scheduled to start on November 23 in Centurion. However, Tigers are yet to announce the Test squad for the South Africa Tests.
