Bangladesh names squad for Test series against Zimbabwe

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a 15-member squad for their upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe, set to start on April 20.

The squad for this series includes some notable changes compared to the one selected for the recent West Indies tour. One of the key absentees is experienced middle-order batter Litton Das, who is unavailable due to his commitments in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Meanwhile, pacer Taskin Ahmed will miss the series due to a left Achilles tendon injury.

Gazi Ashraf, Bangladesh’s chief selector, explained the selection process, saying, "Before finalizing the team, we always take feedback from our medical department and physiotherapists. Our pacers are carrying some injuries and need time to recover. The medical team clearly informed us that Taskin should not be considered for this series as we have a busy calendar ahead."

Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim has been brought back into the squad, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib, a right-arm pacer, has earned his maiden Test call-up. Sakib, who has represented Bangladesh in 28 white-ball games, has not yet featured in a Test match.

Ashraf also acknowledged the challenge for captain Najmul Hossain Shanto in selecting the playing XI without key players like Litton Das. He added, however, that the team still has plenty of options available. 

"For the captain, selecting the playing XI will be challenging, especially in the absence of Litton Das at No. 6 or 7 – that creates a sweet dilemma,” Ashraf said. 

“We have plenty of spin options, including Mehidy Hasan Miraz as an all-rounder, Taijul Islam, and Nayeem Hasan. There are also four pacers available, providing more flexibility,” he added. 

He further mentioned that the conditions in Sylhet, where seamers performed well in the recent Sri Lanka series, would be a factor to consider. 

"As a backup, Taijul offers value not just with the ball but with the bat – he batted well against Sri Lanka. Overall, all possible options have been kept available for the coach and captain to pick the best XI," he concluded. 

Bangladesh squad for Test series against Zimbabwe:

Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan Ankon, Jaker Ali Anik (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vc), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib