Bangladesh have included in-form opener Mahfijul Islam Robin and Naim Sheikh in their 16-member Test squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa, while injured opener Shadman Islam has been ruled out.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the squad on Monday, November 9, with Najmul Hossain Shanto continuing as captain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz as vice-captain.
Robin earned his maiden Test call-up following an impressive run in the ongoing National Cricket League (NCL). The opener has been among the leading run scorers in the competition, scoring 672 runs in 10 innings at an average of 74.66, including a double century, three centuries and two fifties.
His selection comes at a time when Bangladesh need another opening option following Shadman’s injury.
Shadman twisted his left ankle while fielding on the second day of the Sylhet Test against West Indies. He was carried off the field on a stretcher and later underwent an MRI scan.
Initial medical assessments suggested ligament damage and a possible fracture. The injury has now ruled him out of the South Africa series.
Naim Sheikh has also been included as another opening option. Bangladesh have retained Tanzid Hasan Tamim, giving the team three specialist openers for the two Tests.
Mominul Haque returns to the squad after missing the second Test against West Indies due to a concussion.
He suffered the injury during the opening Test in Mirpur and had to complete the mandatory seven-day recovery period under the concussion protocol.
His return means Amite Hasan, who replaced him for the Sylhet Test, has been left out.
The selectors have also dropped off-spinner Nayeem Hasan from the squad. With Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam available, Bangladesh have chosen to take five specialist fast bowlers for the tour.
Syed Khaled Ahmed has returned to the Test squad, joining Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam and Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury in the pace attack.
The decision gives Bangladesh more fast bowling options for the conditions in Johannesburg and Centurion, where pace and bounce are expected to play an important role.
The batting group includes experienced players Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das, alongside Shanto, Mominul, Tawhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali Anik.
Bangladesh will play the first Test against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg from November 15 to 19.
The second Test will take place at SuperSport Park in Centurion from November 23 to 27.
Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Naim Sheikh, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumer Das, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vice-captain), Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Mahfijul Islam.
