Bangladesh Cricket Team Announcement: Veteran Duo Mushfiqur and Taskin Return for Pakistan Test Series

Bangladesh have announced their squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, set to commence later this month. The notable inclusions are the return of experienced wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim and fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, both of whom had been sidelined due to injury concerns.

Veteran Duo’s Return

Mushfiqur, who missed the team’s previous Test series against Sri Lanka in March due to a thumb injury, is back in the fold. Likewise, Taskin, who had taken a break from red-ball cricket to manage a shoulder issue, will be available for the second Test in Karachi, starting on August 30. However, he will first feature in a four-day match for the Bangladesh A team on August 20 to regain his rhythm for the longer format.

Experienced Squad

Seasoned all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who recently stepped down from his parliamentary role, is also part of the squad after making himself available for selection last month.

Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain highlighted the wealth of experience in the squad, pointing out that Mushfiqur, Mominul Haque, and Shakib have collectively played 216 Tests. He also expressed confidence in the team’s bowling attack, which features the spin duo of Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who have over 350 wickets between them.

Gradual Reintegration for Taskin

Regarding Taskin’s gradual reintegration, Ashraf stated, “We have selected five pacers mindful of the fact that Taskin Ahmed will only play the second Test. He hasn’t bowled in a Test since June last year, and we have decided to include him in the A Team for the second four-dayer against Pakistan A to get him into the rhythm for longer version matches.”

The first Test will be played in Rawalpindi from August 21, followed by the second in Karachi on August 30. The squad will train at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from August 14 to 16 before traveling to Islamabad on August 17 for the series opener.

Bangladesh Squad:

• Najmul Hossain Shanto (Capt)
• Mahmudul Hasan Joy
• Zakir Hasan
• Shadman Islam
• Mominul Haque
• Mushfiqur Rahim
• Shakib Al Hasan
• Litton Das
• Mehidy Hasan Miraz
• Taijul Islam
• Nayeem Hasan
• Nahid Rana
• Shoriful Islam
• Hasan Mahmud
• Taskin Ahmed
• Khaled Ahmed

🔗 Source