(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Bangladesh have revealed its 15-member squad for the upcoming two Test matches versus New Zealand. The series is set to commence on November 28 in Sylhet, with the second Test scheduled on December 6 in Dhaka. This marks the initiation of the ICC Test Championship 2023-2025 for both the teams.
Najmul Hossain Shanto steps into the role of captaincy for the first time in red-ball cricket, filling the void left by Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das. Shakib will be absent due to a fractured finger, while Litton is on paternity leave.
The 25-year-old Shanto, born in Rajshahi, has emerged as the 13th Bangladeshi Test captain. He has served his team in 23 Tests so far, scoring 1,283 runs with an average of 29.83, including three fifties and four centuries.
The selection committee introduced three uncapped players to the squad – Hasan Murad, a left-arm spinner, Hasan Mahmud, a pacer, and Shahadat Hossain Dipu, a top-order batter. Murad, in particular, has earned his maiden call-up based on an impressive record, securing 121 wickets in 25 first-class matches since his debut for Chattogram Division in 2021.
In terms of notable omissions, the names of Tamim Iqbal, Ebadot Hossain and Taskin Ahmed are present. On the other hand, Shadman Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nurul Hasan and Mahmud have been recalled to the Test squad.
Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nurul Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Khaled Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Hasan Murad.