A 16-player roster for Bangladesh’s forthcoming two-match series against Pakistan, which begins on August 21, has been revealed. For the forthcoming red-ball series, the Bangla Tigers have called back legendary keeper Mushfiqur Rahim and star pacer Taskin Ahmed.
After playing the format against Afghanistan in June 2023, Taskin took a break from the Tests to tend to his shoulder injury. Mushfiqur did not participate in the home series in Sri Lanka; instead, he played in the series in New Zealand.
Gazi Ashraf Hossain, national selector for the Bangladesh Cricket Board, provided insight into the team selection. “Because Taskin Ahmed will only play in the second Test, we have chosen five pacers. We have chosen to include him in the ‘A’ team for the second four-dayer against Pakistan A in order to get him into the rhythm for longer version matches, as he hasn’t bowled in a Test since June of last year,” the man stated.
We also needed backups because a few of the pacers might play one-day matches with the A Team. Our attack features a variety of bowlers who can swing the ball and bowl quickly, and he expressed excitement about watching them perform against elite hitters.
Shakib Al Hasan and Shoriful Islam were also chosen by the panel, which stated that it wished to select its best players. “For this iteration, selecting our best players was the top priority. This team has a good balance.
“With over 350 wickets between them, Taijul (Islam) and Miraz (Mehidy Hasan) have long been at the top of the spin department. We also anticipate that Litton (Kumar Das), Shanto (Najmul Hossain), and the other batters will step up because we will need a collective effort to be competitive against Pakistan.
The A team of Bangladesh has already arrived in Pakistan for three one-day matches and two four-day games. Pakistan presents a formidable opponent, particularly when it comes to domestic affairs, and we anticipate a demanding tour. It is advantageous that we will have more time in Lahore to get ready. For the Test series, a few players who are currently with Bangladesh A in Pakistan will also be included in the national team. Their experience of the conditions should come in handy,” he added.
The Test series will begin with the first game from August 21 onwards in Rawalpindi, followed by the second one which starts on August 30 in Karachi. The Bangla Tigers will travel to Pakistan on August 12.
Bangladesh’s squad for the Test series:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed