Mushfiqur, Taskin return as Zakir gets maiden call-up for India Test
Youngster Zakir Hasan got a maiden call-up as Bangladesh named a 17-member squad for the first Test against India, starting on December 14.
The left-hand batter forced his inclusion for the high profile series, hitting 173 runs for Bangladesh A in the first four-day game against visiting India A last week in Cox's Bazar. His knock helped the side draw the match when an innings defeat was on the cards.
"Zakir, one of the most talented young players, has been on our radar for the last five years," Bangladesh's chief selector Minhajul Abedin said.
"He was in the high performance unit and this season he was the highest scorer in first-class cricket. He played a good knock against India last week. It saved the game. From what we have seen, he is prepared for the highest level."
Senior batter Mushfiqur Rahim, Yasir Ali and fast bowler Taskin Ahmed also returned to the side after missing Bangladesh's last Test series against West Indies.
Mushfiqur missed the series due to performing Hajj while Taskin and Yasir were injured. Taskin also missed the first two ODIs against India due to back pain.
He is set to miss the third and final ODI on Saturday in Chattogram also as the team management doesn't want to rush his return.
Tamim Iqbal who missed the ODI series with a groin injury, was not named in the squad for the first Test.
Abedin said the ODI captain's recovery could take until December 22, which could put him in doubt for the second test, starting on December 22 in Dhaka.
Mosaddek Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman were the other high-profile names missing from the Test squad. While Mosaddek didn't do anything worthy to force his way back, Bangladesh indeed is reluctant to consider Mustafizur as Test bowler due to his lack of ability to swing the ball, which is needed to thrive in longer version cricket.
Bangladesh had already sealed the ODI series, winning the first two matches. The third and final ODI is on Saturday in Chattogram.
Squad: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque, Yasir Ali, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Liton Das, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Zakir Hasan, Rejaur Rahman, Anamul Haque Bijoy.
Source: BSS
