Bangladesh is scheduled to play a home series against New Zealand later this month. There have been some changes to the squad announced for the two Test series. Chief selector Minhajul Abedin Nannu explained the move and expressed optimism about the team.
Hasan Murad is the brand-new face of the national team. The 22-year-old Murad has made an impressive start to his first-class career, taking 121 wickets from 25 matches since his debut in 2021. Additionally, Hasan Mahmud, who is awaiting his Test debut, has also been retained in the squad. Previously in the home series against West Indies, Hasan Mahmud was called up but did not have a chance to play. Additionally, Nayeem Hasan has been reinstated to the team.
However, regular performers like Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mominul Haque are in the team. Besides, Shadman Islam, Nurul Hasan Sohan, and Nayeem Hasan have returned to the team. Although Hasan Mahmud has played for the country in two limited-over formats.
Nannu explains these changes. On Saturday, Nannu told the media: “We had to make a lot of changes in the squad in the New Zealand series. We didn't get 4 from the Afghanistan series. This is why we ruled out complementary point guard Musfik Hasan. Two spinners were included in the team. We brought Nayeem Hasan back into the team, we brought new Hasan Murad into the team. Because in NCL, he (Murad) performs quite well in first-class cricket. Also works well in high performance. We are hopeful that he will be able to match himself if given the opportunity.”
Regular captain Shakib Al Hasan was ruled out of the Test series with fractured finger, sustained during World Cup and vice captain Litton Das was granted a month's leave to be with his wife and newborn baby.
Tamim Iqbal as usually stayed away from the cricket while fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain were sidelined with respective injuries. Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead Bangladesh in the two-match Test series against New Zealand.
The 25-year-old left-hander will become the 13th cricketer to captain Bangladesh in Tests.
Bangladesh brought back Nurul Hasan Sohan to act as wicket-keeper in the place of Litton Das. The first Test of the series will be played in Sylhet on November 28. The second Test is on November 6, in Dhaka.
