Mushfiqur Rahim ruled out of West Indies Tests due to injury

Bangladesh will head into their upcoming Test series against West Indies without the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim, who has been ruled out due to a finger injury. This marks the first time in 16 years that Bangladesh will play a Test series without their key players—Mushfiqur, Tamim Iqbal, and Shakib Al Hasan—being part of the squad.

Mushfiqur, a veteran of 94 Tests, has been struggling with a shoulder injury since the Pakistan series in August. His finger injury occurred during the first ODI against Afghanistan in Sharjah last week. This injury leaves a significant gap in the Bangladesh team as they prepare for the two-match Test series against West Indies.

Tamim Iqbal has not played a Test match since last year, and Shakib Al Hasan had announced his retirement in September. Although he had hoped to play a farewell Test in Dhaka, that match could not take place.

In addition to Mushfiqur’s absence, Bangladesh has also left out Khaled Ahmed and Nayeem Hasan from the squad. However, there is good news with Litton Das making his return to the squad. The wicketkeeper-batter had missed recent matches, including the second Test against South Africa and the three ODIs against Afghanistan, due to illness.

Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue to lead the Bangladesh team despite expressing his desire to step down as captain during the South Africa series. Shanto will have a strong pace attack at his disposal, with Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, and Nahid Rana available to bowl.

The spin department will feature vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, along with uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad, who has been added to the squad.

Bangladesh will rely on their regular top-order batters—Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, and Zakir Hasan—along with Shanto and Mominul Haque at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively. With Mushfiqur out, Jaker Ali or Mahidul Islam Ankon could take over his role, while Litton is expected to keep wickets and bat at No. 7.

The series will begin with a four-day warm-up match at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua on November 18, followed by the first Test in Antigua starting November 22. The second Test will take place in Jamaica, beginning November 30. Bangladesh will also play three ODIs and three T20Is during the tour, though their white-ball squad has yet to be announced.