BAN vs SA: Bangladesh announce squad for first Test against South Africa

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially named a 15-man squad for the upcoming first Test against South Africa, set to take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on October 21. This match is particularly significant as it marks the farewell of veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan from Test cricket.

The squad remains largely unchanged from the one that recently toured India, with the notable exclusion of pacer Khaled Ahmed. Shakib, who recently announced his retirement from T20I cricket in Kanpur, expressed a desire to retire from Tests at his home ground in Dhaka. However, his farewell has been complicated by logistical issues stemming from his involvement with the fallen Awami League regime and accusations linked to a murder case.

The situation was resolved after Shakib publicly apologized for his previous silence during student protests, appealing for support as he prepares for his final Test.

Following the second Test against South Africa in Chattogram, Bangladesh is scheduled to travel to the UAE for a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. Since Shakib is still part of the ODI setup, he is expected to accompany the team, facilitating a smooth exit from the country.

This Test series will also mark the first assignment for interim coach Phil Simmons, who has stepped in for the suspended and soon-to-be-terminated Chandika Hathurusingha.

Bangladesh Squad for 1st Test: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Shadman lslam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (WK), Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana