Bangladesh include two uncapped players in Test squad against Pakistan

Pakistan whitewashed Bangladesh 3-0 in the recently concluded T20I series on their home soil. Next in line are Test games that will kick off from November 26 in Chattogram and there are some new developments for the home side. Uncapped Mahmudul Hasan and Rejaur Rahman have made it to the squad for the opening Test. Taskin Ahmed, owing to his hand injury in the final T20I against Pakistan, was not in contention for selection.

Tamim Iqbal who looking up for a comeback after sustaining back-to-back injuries hasn’t been called for the first Test. Talking about their star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, though he has made the cut for the first Test, his fitness will be examined well before the game.

Talking about Mahmudul, he has risen through the ranks in his recent career by displaying stellar action in the first-class circuit. He hit two tons in the ongoing National Cricket League and made a grand announcement for himself before stepping on the national side. Rejaur has been picked due to injuries sustained by Ahmed and Shoriful Islam.

Mahmudul Hasan has shown good temperament for the longer version: Minhajul Abedin

“It is still early days for him but Mahmudul has shown good temperament for the longer version. He is also an in-form batsman. With injury concerns to Taskin (Ahmed) and Shoriful (Islam), we needed to keep our pace bowling options open and Raja got the nod. We have been monitoring his performances in first-class competitions. He is strong and energetic and has a knack for taking wickets,” said Chairman of the National Selection Panel, Minhajul Abedin as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“There is a fair bit of experience if you consider that Mominul (Haque), Mushfiqur (Rahim), Shakib, Taijul (Islam), and Miraz (Mehidy Hasan) are all part of the squad. We will obviously have to wait to see if Shakib makes it for the first Test but these players have been the most consistent performers for us in Tests and their presence can make a difference,” he added.

Bangladesh squad for 1st Test– Mominul Haque (C), Shadman Islam, Saif Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumar Das, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi, Yasir Ali Rabbi, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Shakib Al Hasan (subject to being declared fit to play)