Jaker Ali Anik has experienced both highs and lows over the past year.
Once a regular member of Bangladesh’s squads across all three formats, the wicketkeeper batter has spent almost a year out of the national team. But fortune has smiled on him again. After Litton Das was ruled out with a calf strain, Jaker earned a recall to Bangladesh’s Test squad for the upcoming series in Australia.
Former Bangladesh senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin believes the call up is a big opportunity for the right hander.
Jaker has returned to the Test squad for the first time since November 2025. His recent performances have not been outstanding, but chief selector Habibul Bashar said the selectors were satisfied with his training and fitness, which earned him a place as the backup wicketkeeper.
Salahuddin, who is now the head coach of the Bangladesh High Performance Unit, also expressed confidence in Jaker’s abilities.
“I think Jaker’s character stands out, especially under pressure. As a cricketer, he is a very good fighter and he knows how to battle on the field. He understands his role very well,” Salahuddin said at the Sher e Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday.
Salahuddin believes Jaker’s experience of batting with the tail could prove valuable on Australia’s bouncy pitches.
“There are some Bangladesh batters who know how to bat with the bowlers because in our country, once four or five wickets fall, everyone has to bat with the tail.”
“Jaker understands that role very well and he has proved it many times. We need a batter like him in that position. I hope he gets the chance to do well and he knows exactly what he has to do according to his role.”
