Bangladesh have announced their squad for the upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies, which will begin on November 22 in Antigua. In a significant development, veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim has been excluded from the squad due to a finger injury sustained during the first ODI against Afghanistan in Sharjah last week. Rahim, who has represented Bangladesh in 94 Tests, had already been dealing with a shoulder injury since the Pakistan series in August.
Rahim’s absence marks the first time in 16 years that Bangladesh will play a Test series without any of their stalwarts—Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, or Mushfiqur Rahim—in the squad. Shakib, who had announced his retirement from Test cricket in September, was unable to play his farewell match in Dhaka last month. Tamim, meanwhile, has not featured in a Test since last year.
In addition to Mushfiqur, Bangladesh has also left out pacer Khaled Ahmed and off-spinner Nayeem Hasan. However, there is a return for wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das, who had missed the second Test against South Africa and the ODIs against Afghanistan due to illness.
Despite indicating a wish to step down during the South African series, Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue to lead the side. Shanto will have a potent speed attack at his disposal, with Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, and Nahid Rana all on the roster.
Vice-captains Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam will lead the spin department, which will also contain Hasan Murad, an uncapped left-arm spinner. The batting lineup will see Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, and Zakir Hasan holding down the top order, with Shanto and Mominul Haque to bat at No. 3 and 4, respectively. Jaker Ali or Mahidul Islam Ankon are likely to take on the role left vacant by Mushfiqur, with Litton Das returning behind the stumps and expected to bat at No. 7.
Bangladesh will begin their West Indies tour with a four-day warm-up match at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, followed by the first Test at the same venue starting November 22. The second Test will take place in Jamaica on November 30.
The visitors will also play three ODIs and as many T20Is later in the tour, although the white-ball squad has not yet been announced.
Bangladesh Test Squad for West Indies Tour
Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Litton Das (wk), Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad
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