Bangladesh Hand Mahfijul Maiden Call-Up as Shadman Ruled Out

Bangladesh have named uncapped opener Mahfijul Islam in a 16-member squad for the two-Test series in South Africa, with Mohammad Naim recalled after a gap of more than four years.

The changes were forced by the absence of regular opener Shadman Islam, who sustained an ankle injury during the ongoing Sylhet Test against West Indies and will miss the tour. Naim’s only Test appearance came against New Zealand in Christchurch in 2022, and he had not been considered for the longest format since.

Mahfijul’s selection follows a prolific run in the 28th National Cricket League, where he scored 672 runs in 10 innings for Mymensingh at an average of 74.67, including an unbeaten 217 against Chattogram.

Ins and Outs

Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan and wicketkeeper-batter Amite Hasan, both part of the ongoing series against West Indies, have not retained their places. Pacer Khaled Ahmed returns, while veteran batter Mominul Haque is back after missing the second Test against West Indies following a concussion in the series opener.

Nahid Rana continues to be unavailable as he recovers from a labrum tear injury.

Bangladesh depart for South Africa on November 10 and 11. The first Test begins in Johannesburg on November 15, with the second in Centurion from November 23. Three ODIs and three T20Is follow the Test series.

Bangladesh Test squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mohammad Naim, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vice-captain), Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Mahfijul Islam.

                                               

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